# Express Lanes vs Metro Pulse

The clearest difference is rating: Metro Pulse at 2.8 against Express Lanes's 1.5. Metro Pulse also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Express Lanes's advantage is review sentiment (38% vs 23%). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Metro Pulse holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 1.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 57 and 110 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 38% of Express Lanes's written reviews are positive against 23% of Metro Pulse's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Express Lanes ships an update every 2 months, Metro Pulse every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Express Lanes | Metro Pulse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.5 (57 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/express-lanes/id1077407945/reviews) | **[2.8 (110 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-pulse/id6737127867/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 57 | **110** |
| Positive reviews | **37.5% of reviews** | 22.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 44 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Transurban USA Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1077407944) | [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority](https://appshunter.io/developer/1257235533) |

## What reviewers say

### Express Lanes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/express-lanes/id1077407945)

Plan your trips on toll roads from your phone. Get real-time toll prices, view traffic cameras, and manage toll invoices. Save time on your commute or travel with a faster, more reliable route.

**Highlights:** Real-time toll prices, Live traffic cameras, Pay toll invoices, Toll price alerts, Locate entries and exits, E-ZPass tips

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Camera feeds useful
- ✅ Real-time toll pricing
- ✅ Trip planning helpful
- ✅ App mirrors website functionality
- ✅ Text alerts for tolls

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Incorrect operating times
- ❌ Incompetent IT department
- ❌ Terrible workflow
- ❌ App dies on launch
- ❌ Travel map unusable

**Reported bugs**

- App shows incorrect closing times
- App crashes on launch
- App dies on launch with error message
- Travel map is not usable
- App does not inform about entrances

**Requested features**

- Correct operating times on app
- User-friendly app design
- Display road names clearly
- Allow users to use Apple Maps separately
- Save frequently used routes


### Metro Pulse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-pulse/id6737127867)

This app provides real-time transit information for the Washington region, including arrival times, service alerts, and trip planning. It offers practical details on nearby stations, elevator status, and offline maps for convenient travel.

**Highlights:** Real-time arrival times, Nearby station information, Trip planner with fare estimates, Service alerts and notifications, Offline route maps, SmarTrip® integration, Online chat support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Informative app
- 💡 Great for transit enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate route and location data
- 🐛 Confusing and clunky UI
- 🐛 Laggy performance
- 🐛 Welcome screen cannot be closed

**Reported bugs**

- Old bus route numbers displayed on iPad app
- Location permissions not working
- Inability to switch between train and bus

**Requested features**

- Ability to plan future trips
- Fare data integration
- Scrollable and closable welcome screen


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Express Lanes free?

Express Lanes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Metro Pulse free?

Metro Pulse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Express Lanes or Metro Pulse?

Metro Pulse is rated higher. Express Lanes averages 1.5 out of 5 from 57 ratings, while Metro Pulse averages 2.8 from 110 ratings.

### Do Express Lanes or Metro Pulse have ads?

Express Lanes shows ads; Metro Pulse does not.

### Which is updated more often, Express Lanes or Metro Pulse?

Express Lanes ships an update every 2 months, and Metro Pulse every 2 weeks. Most recently, Express Lanes was updated on September 20, 2026 and Metro Pulse on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*