Comparison

Iowa 511 vs UI Rideshare Network

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

Head to head
About

Iowa 511

This app provides real-time traffic and traveler information for Iowa's interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways. It offers hands-free audio announcements, a zoomable map with traffic event icons and camera views, and updates on road conditions, incidents, and closures.

Highlights
  • Hands-free audio announcements
  • Zoomable map with traffic icons
  • Real-time road condition updates
  • Trucker Mode
  • Personalized account for saved routes
  • Traffic camera images and video
  • Weather radar and alerts
Features
Read full description

Iowa 511 is the Iowa Department of Transportation's (DOT) official traffic and traveler information app for general travelers and commercial vehicle operators. The Iowa 511 app provides statewide up-to-date traffic information for interstates, U.S. routes, and state highways in Iowa. It does not include information for county roads or city streets. FEATURES: • Hands-free, eyes-free audio announcements of upcoming traffic events as you travel along your route • A zoom-enabled map with tappable traffic event icons and surrounding camera views • Near real-time updates on winter road conditions (including surrounding states), traffic incidents, construction, truck restrictions, and road closures • Trucker Mode with resources specific to commercial vehicle operators • Create and manage Your 511 personalized account including saved routes, areas, favorite camera views, and alerts via email and/or text. • Travel time delays associated with traffic reports (look for the orange glowing icons) • Current traffic speeds • Traffic camera images and streaming video throughout the state. Sign up for an account to save your favorite cameras for easy access later. • Snow plow camera images and locations • "Towing not recommended" events for winter storms • Real-time weather radar • Weather stations with alerting for inclement weather • Rest area locations statewide • Weigh Station Locations • Citizen reports via Waze • Electronic Message Signs NOTE: Continued use of GPS running in the background can decrease device battery life. Distracted Driving The primary responsibility of every driver is the safe operation of their vehicle. While traveling, mobile communication devices should be used only when the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway. Do not text and drive (it's against the law) or use this app while driving. We welcome your feedback on this app. Please email your suggestions, questions, or concerns to 511Feedback@iowadot.us. The Iowa DOT's privacy policy can be found at https://iowadot.gov/policies-statements/privacy-policy App developed by Castle Rock Associates https://www.castlerockits.com/

About

UI Rideshare Network

Features
Read full description

UI Rideshare Network is an easy way to search options for getting to and from the University of Iowa campus. Students and employees can find carpool partners, employee van pools, and bus routes. You can also find biking and walking routes.

Screenshots

Iowa 5114 screens
UI Rideshare Network4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: UI Rideshare Network at daily against Iowa 511's every 2 months. UI Rideshare Network also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.6). 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Iowa 511 ships an update every 2 months, UI Rideshare Network daily. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Iowa 511 versus UI Rideshare Network: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIowa 511UI Rideshare Network
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (602 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews26.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings602 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.611.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB12 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperIowa Department of TransportationThe University of Iowa (ITS)

Bugs and requests

Iowa 511

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Cameras not loading
  • Map not showing any information
  • App locking up when trying to use layers
  • Road condition data not updating in real-time

Requested features

3 requests
  • Include tow ban information with expiration times
  • Improve map legend and visibility of road conditions
  • Bring back old app design

UI Rideshare Network

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Iowa 511

No in-app purchases

None

UI Rideshare Network

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Iowa 511 free?
Iowa 511 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is UI Rideshare Network free?
UI Rideshare Network is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Iowa 511 or UI Rideshare Network have ads?
Neither Iowa 511 nor UI Rideshare Network shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Iowa 511 or UI Rideshare Network?
Iowa 511 ships an update every 2 months, and UI Rideshare Network daily. Most recently, Iowa 511 was updated on October 13, 2026 and UI Rideshare Network on September 29, 2026.

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