# Ventra — user reviews > 473 indexed App Store user reviews of Ventra by Chicago Transit Authority, rated 1.80/5 from 3,278 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ventra/id1005645256/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ventra/id1005645256.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 475 · 4★ 127 · 3★ 136 · 2★ 228 · 1★ 2,312 ## What do users think of Ventra? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 🚀 Easy to use - 🚀 Convenient for transit - 🚀 Helpful for visitors - 🚀 Reliable payment processing **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs - 🐛 Inaccurate arrival/departure times - 🐛 Confusing user interface - 🐛 Unreliable login and account management - 🐛 Payment issues and declined transactions - 🐛 Lack of customer support **Commonly reported bugs** - Purchase button not working on iPhones - Favorites list glitches and resets - Inconsistent and unreliable ticket display - Frequent app crashes and login issues - Payment processing failures and lost funds **Most requested features** - Add ability to manage Ventra cards and balances - Improve real-time transit tracking and notifications - Allow saving of favorite routes and stations - Integrate with Apple Wallet for easier access - Provide more transparent and user-friendly payment options ## Newest reviews (19 of 473) ### 2/5 — Regional Pass Non-Obvious *2026-08-15, version 2.2.16* The clunky interface did not surface the Regional Transit pass. I bought the pass that did not include Metra and had to purchase Metra on top of that. The really need to get a user interface expert to help them redesign the user interface and make it both easier to use and easier to find what one needs. ### 2/5 — Poor implementation *2026-08-14, version 2.2.16* Sluggish and opaque, with ordinary information like train schedules hard to find. Developers obviously have done no user testing. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2026-08-08, version 2.2.16* Added funds to my card, but it won’t let me add it to my Apple wallet. Now I have funds on the Ventra app that I’m unable to use…very frustrating. ### 1/5 — No bus *2026-08-04, version 2.2.16* Bus kept on vanishing (I waited and waited but none arrived) on the schedule. No use. Want my money back. Why should I pay money for wasting time and walking around for an hour? Late bus is understandable. No bus is a scam. ### 2/5 — Fine app, beware of storing tickets *2026-08-04, version 2.2.16* The app works as it should for the most part. The frustrating thing is that Metra tickets are device bound and the app does not log ticket usage, only transaction history. The app auto updated and 8 tickets I had stored on my device disappeared. Since there are no logs available of used tickets, there isn’t an easy way to track lost tickets. My advice - only buy metra tickets when you need them, otherwise you risk losing the tickets if the app auto-updates in the background. ### 1/5 — Favorites function STILL BROKEN *2026-08-04, version 2.2.16* Update: New release of app, Favorites functionality STILL BROKEN. Conclusion: The Ventra app is coded, tested, and managed by clowns, not professionals. This app is NOT reliable and easy to use, despite what's reported in the AI slop summary. ————— Favorites function is totally broken. Has been for MONTHS. Ventra does nothing. Can’t see any arrival information for a stop that is a favorite; you have to look the line/stop up every time. Works fine if not looking at favorites. So there effectively is no favorites function, and Ventra is too dysfunctional to do ANYTHING about it. ### 2/5 — Can’t purchase tickets due to IPhone UI *2026-07-31, version 2.2.16* Wherever designed this, I hope your pillow is always warm. You put the purchase button on the bottom of the iPhone screen where we use it to close apps. We are unable to purchase tix because of this massive design oversight ### 1/5 — The have to do an update and move the purchase button somewhere else *2026-07-29, version 2.2.16* It never let me buy tickets because the app has a glitch that wont let me press the purchase button at the bottom when im trying to buy tickets rendering the app completely useless. ### 1/5 — purchase confusing *2026-07-28, version 2.2.16* you need to make it more obvious that you need to select a payment method in checkout for a metra ticket, i couldn’t figure out why the purchase button wasn’t working until i tapped tiny text of “select purchase” that doesn’t look like a requirement in that page ### 2/5 — Suck on iPhone *2026-07-28, version 2.2.16* The app doesn’t work well on the iPhone. The purchase and other important buttons are on the very bottom of screen where the iPhone uses to close apps. So can’t purchase tickets ### 1/5 — Can't complete purchase *2026-07-25, version 2.2.16* purchase button at the bottom is static and I cannot click on it. Shut down reloaded tried multiple times. Nothing works. ### 1/5 — Purchase button too low *2026-07-22, version 2.2.16* Can’t purchase a ticket because it’s too low in the app. My phone thinks I’m trying to access some shortcut at the bottom of my phone and it won’t initiate the purchase. ### 1/5 — Robbing the working man, as usual. *2026-07-18, version 2.2.16* Awful app and no support available. Any attempt to contact customer service results in an infinite loop of automated call prompts, circling you back to the main prompt. I save my passwords in an encrypted vault. Ventra randomly says my password is incorrect after a few months. I attempt to change it, but the reset emails never arrive. Also, you can’t transfer cards from Google Wallet to Apple Wallet if you get a new phone. I have a large amount of money on an account that Ventra maliciously locks me out of. State run theft, sold off to Google. Bunch of crooks. They will leave you stranded. Vote ‘em out! ### 2/5 — Purchase button *2026-07-18, version 2.2.16* Can someone please fix the the purchase button?? ### 1/5 — Purchase button fail. *2026-07-17, version 2.2.16* Can’t complete purchase because the purchase button doesn’t work. ### 1/5 — Favorites function STILL BROKEN *2026-07-17, version 2.2.16* Update: New release of app, Favorites functionality STILL BROKEN. Conclusion: The Ventra app is coded, tested, and managed by clowns, not professionals. ————— Favorites function is totally broken. Has been for MONTHS. Ventra does nothing. Can’t see any arrival information for a stop that is a favorite; you have to look the line/stop up every time. Works fine if not looking at favorites. So there effectively is no favorites function, and Ventra is too dysfunctional to do ANYTHING about it. ### 1/5 — Remove this app *2026-07-15, version 2.2.16* Delete this off of my home phone last coming ### 1/5 — Include the track numbers for METRA! *2026-07-13, version 2.2.14* Commuters would benefit greatly from the app including what track/platform each Metra train is on, at least for departures from Chicago Union Station, including live updates! Unless you’re on the same exact train each day, not only do you have to find out which is the train (number) you need to take, but then you also have to wait until you get to the station and find on the screens which track it will be on. Even if you do take the same train, at times if there are delays or changes, and trains have to go on a different track, that could be updated in the app instead of having to wait for announcements. ### 4/5 — Purchase button doesn’t work *2026-07-10, version 2.2.14* Purchase button for metra tickets doesn’t work, hidden under the home indicator ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Garbage App *2026-08-17, version 2.2.16* It does not work on my iPhone 16e. Repeatedly attempts to activate failed. The app froze. ### 1/5 — Too many bugs to count *2026-08-15, version 2.2.16* Payment receipt emails aren’t sent ~50% of the time. App crashes, payment attempts inconsistently fail, account randomly gets logged out - this isn’t a functional app. Chicago needs to give the contract to an actual tech company who knows how to maintain production software. This should be such a straightforward mobile app to develop. ### 1/5 — Cant Purchase *2026-08-15, version 2.2.16* cannot tap purchase button bc its too short and sits too low on the view. needs to sit above the safearea ### 1/5 — Continuous server errors *2026-08-14, version 2.2.16* About the worst app I’ve used. Constantly getting server errors. Yet going to website works. But I can’t buy a Metra ticket on the website. Says I have to go to the app. God I hope the new NITA gets rid of Ventra. Just about every other system I use domestically and internationally works much better. ### 1/5 — Doesn’t Work *2026-08-12, version 2.2.16* The app on my iPhone 17 pro max doesn’t let me push the purchase button ### 1/5 — Confusing and needlessly limited *2026-08-10, version 2.2.16* The user interface for adding and managing transit cards is confusing. "Don't have Ventra card? Find out how" is just one example of logical inconsistency. That link leads to information that contradicts the function of adding a digital card. The stored value doesn't update for almost a day after purchases, either. And for what reason can you only add set numbers of funds to the Ventra card? I only need a bit for the next few days, so I'll end up wasting some amount on a stored value on this card when I leave. Be like Japan, Chicago: allow reload from Apple Wallet and allow it to be specifically delineated by dollars and cents, and update the amount on the card as it's used. You're almost there. ### 1/5 — Bad Design *2026-08-09, version 2.2.16* I went to go purchase tickets and was unable to because of the design placement. The purchase bar is at the bottom of the screen. iphones have a feature at the bottom that includes a small home bar. I am unable to purchase tickets in the app because every time I click the purchase button, it clicks the home bar. Also, the entire design of the app feels like basic coding and terrible design. Definitely needs to be updated. The app is also quite hard to navigate. Buying a train ticket should be simple not complicated. ### 1/5 — No Bueno *2026-08-09, version 2.2.16* Couldn’t figure out the app due to the terminal 2 station at ORD not coming up to be able to purchase the ticket. Spent half an hour trying to figure it out and gave up. ### 1/5 — Navigation *2026-08-09, version 2.2.16* Despite having my location, the top results are another station of the same line, not the nearest station ### 1/5 — 1-Star Review *2026-08-08, version 2.2.16* I have been attempting to add my Ventra card to my apple wallet for months and it just does not work. I have tried numerous times adding it but it does not add The worst part is that I have $30 sitting in my Ventra account, but because of this issue, I’m unable to properly use or access that money. At this point, it feels like my $30 is just wasted I can't take this anymore. Customers should have an easy time accessing their own money. I suggest you use another service than Ventra untill this gets resolved. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Does not work *2026-07-25, version 2.2.16* App does not allow purchasing tickets, so what’s the point. Button needs to be fixed ### 5/5 — Amazing customer service *2026-06-27, version 2.2.14* The app is easy ish to use but I’ve had some issues with the digital card. Called the customer service, Jackie and Dustin helped me with my issue and resolved it right away. I have not had a customer service that’s as amazing as them in a really long time. Appreciate their help so very much! ### 5/5 — It works good *2026-06-21, version 2.2.14* It works good ### 5/5 — Great Transit App *2026-05-23, version 2.2.14* I’m not sure why this app is rated so low. I haven’t had any issues with it so far. It’s good at giving me live updates of all the Metra and CTA transportation. I always buy my tickets and passes through there and have had no issue connecting my physical Ventra card to the app. Love it! ### 5/5 — Don’t Hound Me for What I Say If The Same XM Feed Claims the White House Burned 2 Years Ago *2026-03-04, version 2.2.13* And a conversation matters To discuss which of three (3) Yellowstone situations we are talking about Or all at once ### 5/5 — Works Very Well *2025-12-20, version 2.2.13* Not sure why this app is rated low, but I also made sure to download this app before adding a card and such. Very simple to use my first time using public transit in Chicago. ### 5/5 — Great app *2025-12-14, version 2.2.13* I use this app all the time when I’m traveling outside and keeping track of transportation schedule. 100% recommend this for anyone who is looking for ease of using CTA ### 5/5 — Tremendous help *2025-12-13, version 2.2.13* This app is a tremendous tool for commuters. The early glitches seem to have been resolved. It takes a bit to learn, but then is invaluable. ### 5/5 — I use it *2025-11-26, version 2.2.13* I use it and it tells me when the bus comes and it works and its good also I can add more money to my card when balance is low so the app is good . ### 5/5 — Ventra *2025-11-26, version 2.2.13* This has made travel and reloading easier for me and my family. --- *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 2026-08-30.*