You can get started in three simple steps: (1) Compose a new text message to the phone number D-O-T-G-O-V or 368468. (2) Type the Internet domain name "nyc" as the body of the message. (3) Send the message. You should receive a response within a few seconds.
The response is a home menu of options. Reply with the text message "1" for the first topic, "News." You should again receive a response within a few seconds--in this case, the latest news from NYC.gov, including the status of public schools, alternate-side parking, garbage pick up, and recycling pick up. Now reply with the text message "1" to get back to the home menu.
From the home menu, reply with "2" for the second topic, "Schedules." You should again receive a response within a few seconds--in this case another menu, offering schedules for (1) trash collection and (2) alternate-side parking and (3) a way to get back to the home menu. You could reply "1" and follow the interaction to get the schedule for trash collection at your address, or you could reply with "2" and follow the interaction to get the schedule for alternate-side parking at your address, or you could reply "3" to get back to the home menu.
From the home menu, reply with "3" for the third topic, "Give feedback." In this case, the response is a prompt asking you to reply with your complaint or feedback. Reply and your message will be passed on directly to 311.
From the home menu, reply with "4" for the fourth topic, "NYC.gov alerts." In this case, the response is a prompt asking you to confirm your request to subscribe to NYC.gov alerts. Reply "yes" and you will receive important breaking news alerts from NYC.gov by text message right to your cell phone. (You can easily cancel at any time.)
From the home menu, reply with "5" for the fifth topic, "Help." In this case, the response is a short tip about how to use the NYC.gov DOTGO site.
When you are on the go, the NYC.gov DOTGO site is the fast, convenient way to obtain important information about New York City services by text message.