# SamTrans Mobile vs SAM Transit

The clearest difference is rating: SAM Transit at 4.8 against SamTrans Mobile's 3.6. SAM Transit also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). SamTrans Mobile's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

SAM Transit holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 138 and 261 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 35% of SamTrans Mobile's written reviews are positive against 38% of SAM Transit's.

SamTrans Mobile ships an update every 6 months, SAM Transit every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SamTrans Mobile | SAM Transit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (138 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/samtrans-mobile/id1430107073/reviews) | **[4.8 (261 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-transit/id6470201999/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 138 | **261** |
| Positive reviews | 34.8% of reviews | **37.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 87 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bytemark, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/925346607) | [Via Transportation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657777018) |

## What reviewers say

### SamTrans Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/samtrans-mobile/id1430107073)

This app allows users to purchase and use bus fares directly from their mobile device. Avoid carrying cash or searching for exact change by paying securely with a debit or credit card. Tickets can be bought instantly and activated when boarding.

**Highlights:** Pay bus fare with phone, Buy single or group fares, Use debit/credit card, Instant ticket purchase, Activate tickets before boarding, Store tickets on device

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAM Transit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-transit/id6470201999)

Plan and navigate your trips within the Sioux Falls Area using public transit and on-demand rideshare. Get real-time arrival information and track your vehicle for a seamless travel experience.

**Highlights:** Trip planning with transit options, On-demand rideshare booking, Live bus arrival times, Real-time vehicle tracking, Wheelchair accessible vehicle option

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SamTrans Mobile free?

SamTrans Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAM Transit free?

SAM Transit is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SamTrans Mobile or SAM Transit?

SAM Transit is rated higher. SamTrans Mobile averages 3.6 out of 5 from 138 ratings, while SAM Transit averages 4.8 from 261 ratings.

### Do SamTrans Mobile or SAM Transit have ads?

Neither SamTrans Mobile nor SAM Transit shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SamTrans Mobile or SAM Transit?

SamTrans Mobile ships an update every 6 months, and SAM Transit every 3 weeks. Most recently, SamTrans Mobile was updated on October 1, 2026 and SAM Transit on October 8, 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.*