# UMass BusTrack - PVTA Transit — Live Pioneer Valley Bus Times

> Real-time PVTA bus tracking and offline schedules for UMass Amherst. (iPhone/iPad app by Görkem Güclü.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umass-bustrack-pvta-transit/id433300711 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Görkem Güclü](https://appshunter.io/developer/433300714)
- Category: Travel, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 138 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-04-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umass-bustrack-pvta-transit/id433300711/reviews.md

## What is UMass BusTrack?

BusTrack completely transforms how you navigate the UMass Amherst campus and the PVTA network.

Stop guessing. Start knowing.

INTRODUCING THE 2026.1 ERA

Smart Track (Live Activities)
Why open an app to check your bus? With a single tap, Smart Track pins real-time departure data directly to your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. Even when you are inside the app, your tracked stops float seamlessly at the top of your screen. Always in sight, everywhere you go.

Smart Commute (Automation)
Your morning routine, completely automated. Tell BusTrack when you usually commute, and it will magically spawn a Live Activity on your Lock Screen before you even step out the door. No searching, no typing, no need to open the app – your transit data is just there when you need it.

CORE FEATURES (Always Free)
• Real-Time GPS Tracking: Watch your PVTA busses move live on the map.
• Complete Offline Schedules: Access all PVTA timetables instantly, even without cell service.
• Smart Search: Quickly find nearby stops or save your daily routes as favorites.
• Full Route Insights: See every stop on a trip and the exact arrival times.
• Custom Alarms: Get notified before your bus arrives so you never have to sprint again.
• PDF Schedules: Keep official PVTA route maps right in your pocket.
• Apple Watch App: Schedules on your wrist

BUSTRACK PRO: The Ultimate Transit Experience
Support the independent development of BusTrack and unlock the full potential of your commute:
• Smart Track: Real-time departure data directly on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island.
• Smart Commute: Real-time departure times appear magically on your Lock Screen.
• Apple Watch App: Real-time arrivals at a glance, right on your wrist.
• Advanced Directions: Seamless multi-leg transit routing to any place.
• 100% Ad-Free: A completely pure, uninterrupted UI.
• Support Indie Dev: Help fuel future updates and keep the app independent.

Designed with love for the UMass community.

Disclaimer:
BusTrack is an independent application and is not officially affiliated with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). Data is provided by PVTA public APIs.

Subscription Details:
Payment for BusTrack Pro will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your App Store Account Settings after purchase.

Privacy Policy: https://umassbustrack.com/privacy.php
Terms of Service: https://umassbustrack.com/tos.php

## Key features

- Real-time bus tracking on map
- Offline PVTA schedules
- Bus stop and route details
- Favorite stops
- Arrival time reminders
- PDF schedules

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro yearly subscription | $16.99 | per year |
| Pro monthly subscription | $1.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Features | $199.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of UMass BusTrack?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🗺️ Real-time bus location tracking
- 📊 Crowding/occupancy information display
- ⏱️ Accurate arrival time predictions
- 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- 🎯 More informative than official PVTA app
- ♿ Accessible for visually impaired users
- 🔄 Reliable and consistently updated
- 📱 Practical for daily commuting

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 📵 Routes/stops not displaying after updates
- ⚠️ Inaccurate or outdated bus information
- 🔄 Inconsistent data loading
- 😕 Confusing user interface redesigns
- 💰 Premium paywall for basic features
- 📍 GPS location accuracy issues
- ⏳ Slow app loading times
- 🔌 Widget functionality broken on iOS

**Commonly reported bugs**

- No routes showing on map after updates
- Arrival times not displaying at stops
- Widget not working on iOS
- App crashes with iOS 13 compatibility issues
- Bus times completely missing from interface
- Stops not appearing on map
- Ad permission issues causing unwanted redirects
- App fails to load route data intermittently
- Incorrect bus arrival time ordering
- GPS showing inaccurate walking distances

**Most requested features**

- Dark mode theme option
- More frequent location updates
- Screen reader support for stop information
- Search buses by route number directly
- Visual route maps showing bus paths
- Chronological bus arrival list view
- Exact arrival times instead of minutes remaining
- Ability to refresh and see precise bus locations

## Recent user reviews (10 of 76)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umass-bustrack-pvta-transit/id433300711/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Use to be accessible for everyone

*2026-02-19, version 2024.1*

It was such a convenient app when it was free now you have to pay for a premium to see when the buses are coming robbery the local people from the town actually use this app and now they actually have to pay for a premium

### 3/5 — Upgrades not optimum

*2026-01-01, version 2024.1*

Liked to be able to see how many people were on the bus

### 4/5 — Excelent app

*2024-07-11, version 2024.1*

This is an excellent app to track the UMass buses. The user interface is intuitive and gives lots of great information. The vehicle numbers and crowding information are particularly helpful. The only thing I would like to see improved are more frequent location updates and support for screen readers when viewing a bus’s list of upcoming stops. Great app on the whole though.

### 1/5 — All not working for days

*2023-12-18, version 2023.1*

I have used this app for quite a while. The widget has not been working for days in IOS. Please fix and I will update my review. Thank you!!

### 5/5 — the best pvta bus app

*2023-09-04, version 2023.1*

i’ve been using this app for almost a decade and it’s a staple in my commute. the official pvta app is fine but this one is easy to use and communicates a huge amount of info

### 5/5 — A must-have app for me

*2023-06-26, version 2023.1*

The only app I’ve found for our local buses that gives us general location data, let’s me see if I missed the bus or if it’s still on the way. It’s more accurate than I really expected it to be. Have used it for prob 5-6 years now and just wanted to say thank you!

### 5/5 — G

*2023-04-21, version 2020.6*

Great

### 2/5 — dangerously wrong

*2022-11-12, version 2020.6*

if you need honest information, this isn’t it. it’ll have you hours from home with no sense of what bus is really going to where you need to get

### 5/5 — Very easy to use!

*2020-07-03, version 2020.4*

This bus app has become very reliable especially tor time like this. Very helpful and understanding people working on this app that helped and continued to fix any previous issues with the app and made it more possible for the bus app to run more better and has made my experience with the app easier!

### 1/5 — Your app doesn’t work

*2020-02-11, version 2020.1*

After the update I see no routes on the map.

## Frequently asked questions about UMass BusTrack

### What does UMass BusTrack do?

UMass BusTrack helps users at UMass Amherst catch PVTA buses. It provides real-time bus locations on a map and offers the complete PVTA schedule, which can be accessed offline. Users can also view bus stops, routes, and download schedules as PDFs.

### What are the key features of UMass BusTrack?

Key features include real-time bus tracking, offline PVTA schedules, the ability to see all bus stops near you, search and save favorite stops, view route details, and set arrival reminders. Premium features offer an ad-free experience and enhanced real-time data for widgets and smartwatches.

### Is UMass BusTrack free to use?

The app is free to download and use, offering many core features without cost. However, it also offers optional 'Premium Features' through a subscription, which removes ads and provides additional real-time data capabilities.

### What devices is UMass BusTrack compatible with?

The app is designed for mobile devices and includes features like a Today Widget and an Apple Watch App, indicating compatibility with iOS devices. The description mentions the app is a result of a research study at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, suggesting a focus on the Apple ecosystem.

### How can I get directions to bus stops or places with UMass BusTrack?

Directions to stops or places are available as a premium feature. If you subscribe to the premium version of the app, you can utilize this functionality, which is provided by Google, to navigate to your desired bus stops or destinations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2026.1.1 — 2026-07-10

What's New in Version 2026.1.1

• Visibility selection for Stops
You now also have the option to have smaller Stop icons on the map or hide all Stops completely

• Impossible Feedback
I fixed an issue, where the keyboard was covering the textfield and the send button in Feedback Chat.


What's New in Version 2026.1

Welcome to the 2026.1 era of BusTrack! This major update brings deepest iOS integration yet, redesigned from the ground up to eliminate your commute anxiety.

• Smart Track – Live arrivals, always in sight! 
Pin real-time departure data directly to your Lock Screen, Dynamic Island, and to the top of your in-app view with a single tap. Requires Pro subscription.

• Smart Commute – Automate your morning! 
BusTrack can now magically spawn a Live Activity on your Lock Screen right before your daily commute begins. Requires Pro subscription.

• Premium is now called Pro: 
Do not worry. Your subscription is automatically transferred to Pro with all the same great benefits. Thank you for supporting BusTrack!

• Under The Hood & Refined Design: 
I’ve polished the core experience for everyone. Performance optimisations for a smooth, lag-free experience.

### 2026.1 — 2026-07-06

What's New in Version 2026.1

Welcome to the 2026.1 era of BusTrack! This major update brings deepest iOS integration yet, redesigned from the ground up to eliminate your commute anxiety.

• Smart Track – Live arrivals, always in sight! 
Pin real-time departure data directly to your Lock Screen, Dynamic Island, and to the top of your in-app view with a single tap. Requires Pro subscription.

• Smart Commute – Automate your morning! 
BusTrack can now magically spawn a Live Activity on your Lock Screen right before your daily commute begins. Requires Pro subscription.

• Premium is now called Pro: 
Do not worry. Your subscription is automatically transferred to Pro with all the same great benefits. Thank you for supporting BusTrack!

• Under The Hood & Refined Design: 
I’ve polished the core experience for everyone. Performance optimisations for a smooth, lag-free experience.

### 2024.1 — 2024-01-02

Fixed an issue with the widget, which had a big unnecessary border. Sorry for that.

Furthermore, I have big plans for future updates and I hope I can release them soon.
I am time constraint and it is really difficult to work on this app in the few hours I have.

Thanks everyone for using the app and supporting me.
Also, a big thank you for every 5 star rating. That is highly motivating to work on the app.
Happy new year.

-Gorkem

### 2023.2 — 2024-01-02

This update includes a critical bugfix for sending Feedback to me.
Please use the "Feedback" feature in "More", to notify me about issues, so I can help you much faster.
Besides, some more small fixes and optimizations.

Furthermore, I have big plans for future updates and I hope I can release them soon.
I am time constraint and it is really difficult to work on this app in the few hours I have.

Thanks everyone for using the app and supporting me.
Also, a big thank you for every 5 star rating. That is highly motivating to work on the app.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

-Gorkem

### 2023.1 — 2023-06-23

Mostly bug fixes.

If you like this app, please consider a five star rating. 
It means a lot to me and high reviews keep me motivated to work on new features and fix stupid bugs.
-GG

## Apps similar to UMass BusTrack

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| [Peter Pan Bus Lines](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/peter-pan-bus-lines/id1488801121) | 1.8 (10) | Free | Travel |
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## More apps by Görkem Güclü

- [GPX Creator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gpx-creator/id535468654)
- [UTA BusTrack](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uta-bustrack/id1369861445)

All apps by Görkem Güclü: https://appshunter.io/developer/433300714

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*