# SBMTD BusTracker vs MTD Connect

The clearest difference is rating: MTD Connect at 4.8 against SBMTD BusTracker's 2.7. MTD Connect also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 34 months). SBMTD BusTracker's advantage is review sentiment (25% vs 0%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

MTD Connect holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33 and 98 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 25% of SBMTD BusTracker's written reviews are positive against 0% of MTD Connect's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SBMTD BusTracker ships an update every 34 months, MTD Connect every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SBMTD BusTracker | MTD Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sbmtd-bustracker/id1272136994/reviews) | **[4.8 (98 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtd-connect-powered-by-via/id1642464951/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 33 | **98** |
| Positive reviews | **25.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 34 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 13 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272136993) | [Via Transportation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657777018) |

## What reviewers say

### SBMTD BusTracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sbmtd-bustracker/id1272136994)

This app provides real-time bus arrival estimates and tracks bus locations on a map. Easily find nearby stops and routes, and bookmark your favorite locations for quick access.

**Highlights:** Real-time bus arrival information, Track bus location on map, Locate nearby bus stops and routes, Bookmark favorite stops, Link to complete schedules

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MTD Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtd-connect-powered-by-via/id1642464951)

This app provides on-demand, curb-to-curb van service within designated boundaries, connecting outlying areas to fixed-route transit. It offers safe transportation for individuals traveling alone when other options are unavailable, with a limit of three persons per pickup.

**Highlights:** On-demand van service, Curb-to-curb transportation, Connects outlying areas to fixed routes, Designated service boundaries, Safe rides for solo travelers

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SBMTD BusTracker free?

SBMTD BusTracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MTD Connect free?

MTD Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SBMTD BusTracker or MTD Connect?

MTD Connect is rated higher. SBMTD BusTracker averages 2.7 out of 5 from 33 ratings, while MTD Connect averages 4.8 from 98 ratings.

### Do SBMTD BusTracker or MTD Connect have ads?

Neither SBMTD BusTracker nor MTD Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SBMTD BusTracker or MTD Connect?

SBMTD BusTracker ships an update every 34 months, and MTD Connect every 2 months. Most recently, SBMTD BusTracker was updated on October 24, 2026 and MTD Connect on October 25, 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.*