CATS vs A
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CATS
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.
- 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
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It’s the way to pay! CATS-Pass is the official mobile ticketing app for the Charlotte Area Transit System. CATS-Pass offers a convenient way for you to purchase and use tickets instantly on your smartphone – anywhere, anytime. CATS-Pass also gives you access to trip planning tools. Download the app, buy your transit pass and plan your trip, right from your phone. Features include: • Purchase passes instantly via debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay • Step-by-step travel directions • Cash Wallet feature • Personalize the app by saving your favorite routes and pass types • Connect to other CATS Apps including: ◦ CATS See/Say ◦ CATS Art In Transit ◦ TrackCATS
A
Manage your transit trips directly from your smartphone. View upcoming and past journeys, cancel rides, and receive real-time vehicle arrival estimates. Track your shuttle's location on a map for reduced wait times.
- Manage and cancel trips
- View upcoming and completed trips
- Real-time vehicle ETAs
- Track shuttle location on map
- 24/7 account access
- Save favorite destinations
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The A-Ride app allows passengers from participating agencies manage their transportation from the convenience of their smart phone. Flexibility to Manage Trips Empower riders with direct access to review and manage their trips View upcoming and completed trips, easily cancel trips Convenient Trip Details View Passenger notifications with accurate vehicle ETAs, reduce wait time Ability to follow shuttle on a visual map to see exact location Simple Mobile Interface 24/7 access to account profiles, settings, and reservations Customer user preferences and save favorite destinations| NOTE: Access to some features will depend on the service guidelines for your individual transportation agency.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: CATS at 55% against A's 0%. CATS also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (16K vs 1). A's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CATS holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CATS has 16K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of CATS's written reviews are positive against 0% of A's.
CATS ships an update every 4 months, A every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and June 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CATS | A |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (16K ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 54.8% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 16K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 3 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 122 MB | 74 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City of Charlotte | Ecolane USA, Inc. |
Customer experience
CATS
A
Bugs and requests
CATS
Reported bugs
3 issues- Unable to create new user accounts
- Keyboard issues during sign-up process
- Discrepancies between app and physical bus stop times
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to delete payment methods
- Improved bus and train schedule information
- Notifications for bus arrival times
- Discounted passes for seniors and disabled riders
A
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
CATS
No in-app purchases
A
No in-app purchases
