# UMass BusTrack vs MassDOT BusPlus

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MassDOT BusPlus at none against UMass BusTrack's 3. MassDOT BusPlus also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (59% vs 42%). UMass BusTrack's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. UMass BusTrack sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. MassDOT BusPlus asks for nothing beyond the download.

MassDOT BusPlus holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MassDOT BusPlus has 277 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 42% of UMass BusTrack's written reviews are positive against 59% of MassDOT BusPlus's.

UMass BusTrack ships an update every 3 weeks, MassDOT BusPlus every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | UMass BusTrack | MassDOT BusPlus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umass-bustrack-pvta-transit/id433300711/reviews) | **[4.3 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/massdot-busplus/id1046116334/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **277** |
| Positive reviews | 41.6% of reviews | **59.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 140 MB | 108 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Görkem Güclü](https://appshunter.io/developer/433300714) | [Bytemark, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/925346607) |

## What reviewers say

### UMass BusTrack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umass-bustrack-pvta-transit/id433300711)

Track buses in real-time and access full PVTA schedules offline. Get notifications for upcoming arrivals and save your favorite stops. Premium features offer an ad-free experience and enhanced real-time data on widgets and smartwatches.

**Highlights:** Real-time bus tracking on map, Offline PVTA schedules, Bus stop and route details, Favorite stops, Arrival time reminders, PDF schedules

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro monthly subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Pro yearly subscription | $16.99 | per year |
| Premium Features | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🗺️ Real-time bus location tracking
- 📊 Crowding/occupancy information display
- ⏱️ Accurate arrival time predictions
- 👍 Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- 🎯 More informative than official PVTA app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 📵 Routes/stops not displaying after updates
- ⚠️ Inaccurate or outdated bus information
- 🔄 Inconsistent data loading
- 😕 Confusing user interface redesigns

**Reported bugs**

- No routes showing on map after updates
- Arrival times not displaying at stops
- Widget not working on iOS
- App crashes with iOS 13 compatibility issues
- Bus times completely missing from interface

**Requested features**

- Dark mode theme option
- More frequent location updates
- Screen reader support for stop information
- Search buses by route number directly
- Visual route maps showing bus paths


### MassDOT BusPlus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/massdot-busplus/id1046116334)

Purchase and use intercity and commuter bus tickets directly from your phone. Plan your trip, select tickets, create an account, and activate your ticket to show the driver. An internet connection is needed for purchase, but tickets can be used offline.

**Highlights:** Purchase bus tickets, Use tickets offline, Plan trips, Secure payments, Account creation

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Very convenient for bus passes
- 👍 Easy to use for many
- 👍 Saves time and hassle
- 👍 Good for disabled users
- 👍 Works as advertised

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Tickets disappear after first day
- 🐛 App glitches and logs out
- 🐛 Cannot log in or create account
- 🐛 QR codes do not work
- 🐛 Payment issues and lost money

**Reported bugs**

- Purchased tickets disappear after first day
- App glitches and logs out users
- Login and account creation errors
- QR codes for tickets not working
- Lost money due to voided tickets

**Requested features**

- Discount bus pass for days remaining before free bus
- Post more information on the application
- Allow adding TAP card for reduced fare
- Add Apple Wallet support for passes
- Improve trip planner functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UMass BusTrack free?

UMass BusTrack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MassDOT BusPlus free?

MassDOT BusPlus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, UMass BusTrack or MassDOT BusPlus?

MassDOT BusPlus is rated higher. UMass BusTrack averages 4.2 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while MassDOT BusPlus averages 4.3 from 277 ratings.

### Do UMass BusTrack or MassDOT BusPlus have ads?

UMass BusTrack shows ads; MassDOT BusPlus does not.

### Which is updated more often, UMass BusTrack or MassDOT BusPlus?

UMass BusTrack ships an update every 3 weeks, and MassDOT BusPlus every 9 months. Most recently, UMass BusTrack was updated on November 1, 2026 and MassDOT BusPlus on November 6, 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.*