CATS vs Preferred Parking App
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
Preferred Parking App
Find and pay for parking spots easily with real-time availability and directions. Enjoy secure transactions, customer support, and exclusive discounts for a smoother, faster, and more affordable parking experience.
- Real-time parking spot search
- Navigation to parking spots
- Secure and easy payments
- Customer support
- Exclusive parking discounts
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Preferred Parking App – Your One Spot Hassle-Free Parking Solution. It makes parking easier, with quick spot finding and smooth, secure payments – all in one app. Instant Parking Search: Discover nearby parking spots in real-time, tailored to your location. Stress-Free Navigation: Get directions directly to your parking spot, avoiding traffic and hassle. Effortless Payments: Enjoy a fast and easy payment process with security at your fingertips. Reliable Customer Support: Have a question or need assistance? Our friendly support team is just a message away. Exclusive Parking Discounts: Enjoy special discounts and offers on parking in your area. Preferred Parking App offers an effortless parking experience from start to finish, making it smoother, faster, easier, and more affordable with exclusive savings.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: CATS at 4.8 against Preferred Parking App's 2.6. CATS also leads on ratings volume (17K vs 5). 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 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CATS has 17K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.
CATS ships an update every 4 months, Preferred Parking App every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CATS | Preferred Parking App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (17K ratings) — better | 2.6 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 53.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 17K — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 122 MB | 47 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City of Charlotte | ParkEngage Inc |
Customer experience
CATS
Preferred Parking App
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
Preferred Parking App
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
CATS
No in-app purchases
Preferred Parking App
No in-app purchases
