# PermitConnect Baltimore vs Metro Pulse

The clearest difference is update cadence: Metro Pulse at every 2 weeks against PermitConnect Baltimore's every 18 months. Metro Pulse also leads on rating (2.8 vs 2.4) and ratings volume (126 vs 5). PermitConnect Baltimore's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Metro Pulse holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Metro Pulse has 126 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PermitConnect Baltimore ships an update every 18 months, Metro Pulse every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PermitConnect Baltimore | Metro Pulse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/permitconnect-baltimore/id1575797940/reviews) | **[2.8 (126 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-pulse/id6737127867/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **126** |
| Positive reviews | — | 21.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 22 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PayLock](https://appshunter.io/developer/1484360996) | [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority](https://appshunter.io/developer/1257235533) |

## What reviewers say

### PermitConnect Baltimore

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/permitconnect-baltimore/id1575797940)

Manage virtual parking permits for Baltimore residents. Easily handle existing permits, purchase new ones, and update vehicle and payment information. Access purchase history and contact support for assistance.

**Highlights:** Manage existing permits, Purchase new permits, Manage vehicles, Manage credit cards, View purchase history

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Metro Pulse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-pulse/id6737127867)

This app provides real-time transit information for the Washington region, including arrival times, service alerts, and trip planning. It offers practical details on nearby stations, elevator status, and offline maps for convenient travel.

**Highlights:** Real-time arrival times, Nearby station information, Trip planner with fare estimates, Service alerts and notifications, Offline route maps, SmarTrip® integration, Online chat support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Informative app
- 💡 Great for transit enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate route and location data
- 🐛 Confusing and clunky UI
- 🐛 Laggy performance
- 🐛 Welcome screen cannot be closed

**Reported bugs**

- Old bus route numbers displayed on iPad app
- Location permissions not working
- Inability to switch between train and bus

**Requested features**

- Ability to plan future trips
- Fare data integration
- Scrollable and closable welcome screen


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PermitConnect Baltimore free?

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

### Is Metro Pulse free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PermitConnect Baltimore or Metro Pulse?

Metro Pulse is rated higher. PermitConnect Baltimore averages 2.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Metro Pulse averages 2.8 from 126 ratings.

### Do PermitConnect Baltimore or Metro Pulse have ads?

Neither PermitConnect Baltimore nor Metro Pulse shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PermitConnect Baltimore or Metro Pulse?

PermitConnect Baltimore ships an update every 18 months, and Metro Pulse every 2 weeks. Most recently, PermitConnect Baltimore was updated on October 7, 2026 and Metro Pulse on October 24, 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.*