Comparison

BusBuddy Ottawa vs Transcollines

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

Head to head
About

BusBuddy Ottawa

This app provides real-time OC Transpo bus schedules and route information for navigating Ottawa's transit system. View bus locations on a map, plan trips, and stay updated on system changes.

Highlights
  • Real-time bus arrival times
  • View bus routes and locations on map
  • See bus stops with StreetView
  • Full day and next day bus schedules
  • Trip planning interface
  • OC Transpo system updates
Features
Read full description

Bus Buddy Ottawa, now in its 14th year of usage. Easily navigate the OC Transpo transit network. You can view bus stops, routes, bus arrival times at a stop (both scheduled and GPS realtime). - see bus routes on a map and see bus locations. - see bus stops on a map along with StreetView - see all bus schedules for the entire day and next day. - Trip planning interface to built in travel planners. - see OC Transpo system updates regarding route changes - two modes - light and dark - much much more Credits - App icon and design/graphics by SkyPyre Studios.

About

Transcollines

Plan your journeys with real-time updates and on-demand booking. Track your ride, receive pickup notifications, and share trips with other passengers. Access fixed route bus schedules and purchase tickets directly within the app.

Highlights
  • On-demand ride booking
  • Real-time vehicle tracking
  • In-app pickup notifications
  • Fixed route bus schedules
  • Mobile ticketing and validation
  • Trip scheduling and cancellation
Features
Read full description

Select a transit stop, a public place, an address or tap directly on the map to set your pickup/drop-off points. Set your departure date and time and let Transcollines provide you with the best route for your destination. On-demand transport: In-app notifications will keep you posted on the exact time of pickup. You will be able to track the vehicle in real-time on the map and see the remaining time before pickup. Once onboard, sit back and relax. Transcollines will send you the exact duration of your trip. Since Transcollines On Demand (TOD) is a transit rideshare service, you could share your trip with fellow riders. From your phone you can easily: book multiple rides at a time, change or cancel a ride, schedule them in advance and save them to your phone's calendar. You will also have access to useful information about our on-demand service and tips on how to use it efficiently. Fixed route bus transport: Consult the timetables and routes of bus lines, add your stops and favorite lines to stay informed of any disruptions. Ticketing: Buy your tickets on the app, validate your titles. The titles are valid on fixed route bus line and for the on-demand service. For more details, consult the titles and fares on the Transcollines website: (https://transcollines.ca/en/getting-around/public-transportation/#3) Like it? Rate it! A question? Send us an email at support@transcollines.ca

Screenshots

BusBuddy Ottawa4 screens
Transcollines4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Transcollines at 3.7 against BusBuddy Ottawa's 2.3. Transcollines also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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. BusBuddy Ottawa sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Transcollines asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Transcollines holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 18% of BusBuddy Ottawa's written reviews are positive against 19% of Transcollines's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BusBuddy Ottawa ships an update every 4 months, Transcollines every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
BusBuddy Ottawa versus Transcollines: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBusBuddy OttawaTranscollines
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.3 (3 ratings)3.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews17.6% of reviews19.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings33
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB209 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMy AppatoryTransports Adaptes et Collectifs des Collines

Customer experience

BusBuddy Ottawa

All ratings3 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%
Written reviews74 reviews
Positive17.6%
Neutral9.5%
Negative73.0%

Transcollines

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive19.0%
Neutral23.8%
Negative57.1%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

BusBuddy Ottawa

One-time1
  • Remove ads$2.99
None

Transcollines

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BusBuddy Ottawa free?
BusBuddy Ottawa is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Transcollines free?
Transcollines is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, BusBuddy Ottawa or Transcollines?
Transcollines is rated higher. BusBuddy Ottawa averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Transcollines averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.
Do BusBuddy Ottawa or Transcollines have ads?
BusBuddy Ottawa shows ads; Transcollines does not.
Which is updated more often, BusBuddy Ottawa or Transcollines?
BusBuddy Ottawa ships an update every 4 months, and Transcollines every 2 months. Most recently, BusBuddy Ottawa was updated on October 24, 2026 and Transcollines on October 24, 2026.

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