# CATS vs MicroCAT Powered by Via

The clearest difference is monetization model: CATS at free against MicroCAT Powered by Via's free with in-app purchases. CATS also leads on ratings volume (17K vs 305). MicroCAT Powered by Via's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, rating, review sentiment 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for CATS against 4.9 for MicroCAT Powered by Via. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CATS has 17K ratings behind it against 305, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of CATS's written reviews are positive against 50% of MicroCAT Powered by Via's.

CATS ships an update every 4 months, MicroCAT Powered by Via every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CATS | MicroCAT Powered by Via |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (17K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cats-pass/id1570679604/reviews) | **[4.9 (305 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microcat-powered-by-via/id6462826294/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **17K** | 305 |
| Positive reviews | **53.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 122 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [City of Charlotte](https://appshunter.io/developer/366647746) | [Via Transportation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657777018) |

## What reviewers say

### CATS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cats-pass/id1570679604)

This app provides a convenient mobile ticketing solution for public transit. Users can instantly purchase and use tickets directly from their smartphone, plan trips with step-by-step directions, and manage their transit passes. It offers multiple payment options and integration with other transit-related services.

**Highlights:** Instant mobile ticket purchase, Trip planning with directions, Debit/credit card and mobile payment options, Save favorite routes and passes, Connect to other CATS apps

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🚀 Convenient ticket purchasing
- 💡 Helpful for events and concerts
- 🚀 Real-time bus tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional app crashes or bugs
- 🔒 Restrictive device limit issues
- 🔒 Difficult to manage payment methods
- 🕰️ Inaccurate bus schedule information

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to create new user accounts
- Keyboard issues during sign-up process
- Discrepancies between app and physical bus stop times

**Requested features**

- Ability to delete payment methods
- Improved bus and train schedule information
- Notifications for bus arrival times
- Discounted passes for seniors and disabled riders


### MicroCAT Powered by Via

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microcat-powered-by-via/id6462826294)

This app offers on-demand, shared rides within Albemarle County. Request a trip from your current location to your destination and be picked up by a low-emissions microtransit van. Track your ride in real-time and enjoy an affordable, sustainable way to travel.

**Highlights:** On-demand ride requests, Real-time vehicle tracking, Shared rides for affordability, Low-emissions vehicles, Sustainable transportation option

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CATS free?

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

### Is MicroCAT Powered by Via free?

MicroCAT Powered by Via is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CATS or MicroCAT Powered by Via?

MicroCAT Powered by Via is rated higher. CATS averages 4.8 out of 5 from 17K ratings, while MicroCAT Powered by Via averages 4.9 from 305 ratings.

### Do CATS or MicroCAT Powered by Via have ads?

Neither CATS nor MicroCAT Powered by Via shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CATS or MicroCAT Powered by Via?

CATS ships an update every 4 months, and MicroCAT Powered by Via every 6 weeks. Most recently, CATS was updated on November 1, 2026 and MicroCAT Powered by Via 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.*