Comparison

MasonCommutes vs Metro Pulse

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MasonCommutes

Read full description

There are all sorts of ways you can use Mason Commutes! Find Mason community members who are traveling from the same general area as you are at around the same time. Share the commute by car, vanpool, bike, transit, or walking and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

About

Metro Pulse

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
Read full description

Metro Pulse helps you stay informed before you go and while you’re on the move. On bus or rail, across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, you can check real time arrivals, plan trips, save your favorites, chat with us, and get service updates — all in one easy to use app. The official app of Metro, Metro Pulse has the up-to-the-second information you need to get where you want to go. Real Time Arrivals See accurate, real time data for every train and bus. Know when your ride is coming and whether delays or service changes could affect your trip so you can adjust with confidence. Explore Nearby Service Use the Explore tab to view Metro service near your current location or anywhere you drop a pin on the map. Save Your Favorites Keep your most used lines, routes, stations, stops, and places within easy reach • Favorite a rail line or bus route to preview arrivals at nearby stations or stops • Favorite a specific station or stop to see upcoming arrivals anytime Plan and Customize Your Trip Find the best way to get from point A to point B using bus, rail, or both. • Compare route options • View fare estimates and travel times • Choose when you want to leave — now or later • Customize preferences like travel modes, walking distance, access to elevators AI Powered Chat Get quick answers about arrivals, delays, service changes, and more. If you need additional help, connect directly with a Metro customer service representative. Service Alerts Stay updated on delays, service changes, cancellations, track work, and emergencies so you can avoid surprises. Designed for Metro Riders Built for riders across the DMV and redesigned with your feedback, Metro Pulse gives you the information you need when you need it — helping you move through the region with less stress and more confidence. Metro Pulse keeps your trip on track — before, during, and after your ride.

Screenshots

MasonCommutes4 screens
Metro Pulse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: MasonCommutes at 10.0 against Metro Pulse's 16.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
MasonCommutes versus Metro Pulse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMasonCommutesMetro Pulse
PriceFreeFree
Rating—2.8 (125 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—21.9% of reviews
Number of ratings—125 — better
Update frequency—Every 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS10.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB69 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperGeorge Mason UniversityWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Bugs and requests

MasonCommutes

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Metro Pulse

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to plan future trips
  • Fare data integration
  • Scrollable and closable welcome screen

In-app purchases

None

MasonCommutes

No in-app purchases

None

Metro Pulse

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MasonCommutes free?
MasonCommutes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Metro Pulse free?
Metro Pulse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MasonCommutes or Metro Pulse have ads?
Neither MasonCommutes nor Metro Pulse shows ads.

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