Sm@rtBus vs Platinum Local
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sm@rtBus
This app provides real-time bus arrival information for your local bus stop. It displays scheduled times, bus numbers, destinations, and actual arrival times for the next hour. It also offers audible announcements for visually impaired users, enhancing accessibility.
- Real-time bus arrival information
- Next bus predictions within the hour
- Bus number, destination, and scheduled time
- Audible announcements for visually impaired users
- Clear, easy-to-read visual display
- No additional subscription charges
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SmartBus is a discrete addition to bus stops that provides real-time information for people waiting to catch a bus. A small box containing the electronics is banded to the top of the pole and transmits information to a person waiting to catch a bus, via the SmartBus App. The App gives real-time information for the next buses due to arrive at the bus stop within the hour. It gives the name of the bus stop, the scheduled time of the bus, along with its number, destination and actual time of arrival. For visually Impaired people it audibly announces the information to them for example “April Close Bus Stop, The time now is 13:31. The 13:32 bus number 425 to Oldham at 13:32 is expected at 13:32” This completely enhances the lives of Visually Impaired people and allows them to catch a bus as easily as everyone else. At a fraction of the price of other RTI systems and with no additional subscription charges to the end user or Local Authority/Bus service provider SmartBus is the solution to total inclusivity. It has a clear, easy to read visual display providing the information required regarding buses due in the next hour at the bus stop. Having the information audible for Visually Impaired people can completely enhance their lives for something sighted people merely take for granted.
Platinum Local
Easily book a taxi with real-time tracking and notifications. Pay with cash or card, and schedule rides for a specific time. Save favorite locations for quick bookings.
- Order a taxi
- Cancel bookings
- Track vehicle on map
- Real-time notifications
- Cash or card payment
- Schedule exact pick-up time
- Store favorite locations
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Through this app you can: • Order a taxi • Cancel a booking • Track the vehicle on the map as it makes its way towards you! • Receive real-time notifications of the status of your taxi • Pay by cash or with card • Order a taxi for an exact pick-up time • Store your favourite pick up points for easy booking
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Platinum Local at 100% against Sm@rtBus's 0%. Platinum Local also leads on 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.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sm@rtBus | Platinum Local |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 274 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Stephen Pearson | Platinum Travel Barnsley Ltd |
Customer experience
Sm@rtBus
Platinum Local
In-app purchases
Sm@rtBus
No in-app purchases
Platinum Local
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sm@rtBus free?
Is Platinum Local free?
Do Sm@rtBus or Platinum Local have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sm@rtBus or Platinum Local?
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