# STA Connect vs Metro Flex

The clearest difference is rating: Metro Flex at 4.6 against STA Connect's 2.2. Metro Flex also leads on review sentiment (43% vs 16%) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months). STA Connect's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). 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 Flex holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Metro Flex has 1K ratings behind it against 44, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 16% of STA Connect's written reviews are positive against 43% of Metro Flex's.

STA Connect ships an update every 3 months, Metro Flex every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | STA Connect | Metro Flex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sta-connect/id1644887930/reviews) | **[4.6 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-flex/id6444106298/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 44 | **1K** |
| Positive reviews | 16.1% of reviews | **42.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 44 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Spokane Transit Authority](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644887932) | [Via Transportation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/657777018) |

## What reviewers say

### STA Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sta-connect/id1644887930)

Manage your transit fare cards, add value, and track your spending. This app allows you to link physical cards or create virtual ones, view your balance, and monitor fare capping progress. It also supports autoload and provides a history of your rides.

**Highlights:** Link physical or create virtual fare cards, Add value and passes, Check card balance, View fare capping progress, Enable autoload, Lock lost/stolen cards, Manage payment methods, View ride history

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Metro Flex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-flex/id6444106298)

This app provides on-demand transit within a designated service area. Book a ride from your phone and get picked up at a nearby corner for the same price as a bus trip. Enjoy convenient and fast transportation.

**Highlights:** On-demand ride booking, Nearby pick-up locations, Affordable fares, ORCA card integration, Youth ride free

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient and helpful service
- 👍 Kind and punctual drivers
- 💡 Affordable transportation option
- 👍 Easy to use app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable app with glitches
- ⏱️ Long wait times and unpredictable arrival times
- 🚗 Not enough drivers/vehicles to meet demand
- 🗺️ Limited service area coverage

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing and freezing issues
- Inaccurate GPS and location tracking
- Inconsistent service hours and availability
- Billing and account management problems

**Requested features**

- Ability to schedule rides in advance
- Option to choose preferred pickup location
- Real-time driver updates and communication
- Integration with other transit options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STA Connect free?

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

### Is Metro Flex free?

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

### Which has better reviews, STA Connect or Metro Flex?

Metro Flex is rated higher. STA Connect averages 2.2 out of 5 from 44 ratings, while Metro Flex averages 4.6 from 1K ratings.

### Do STA Connect or Metro Flex have ads?

Neither STA Connect nor Metro Flex shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STA Connect or Metro Flex?

STA Connect ships an update every 3 months, and Metro Flex every 4 weeks. Most recently, STA Connect was updated on November 7, 2026 and Metro Flex on November 7, 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.*