# CATS vs CATS On Demand

The clearest difference is update cadence: CATS On Demand at every 5 weeks against CATS's every 4 months. On price, ads, 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.

CATS ships an update every 4 months, CATS On Demand every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CATS | CATS On Demand |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (17K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cats-pass/id1570679604/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **17K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 53.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 122 MB | 129 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


### CATS On Demand

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cats-on-demand/id6695741577)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CATS free?

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

### Is CATS On Demand free?

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

### Do CATS or CATS On Demand have ads?

Neither CATS nor CATS On Demand shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CATS or CATS On Demand?

CATS ships an update every 4 months, and CATS On Demand every 5 weeks. Most recently, CATS was updated on November 10, 2026 and CATS On Demand on November 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.*