Comparison

Chicago ETAs vs Transit Glance

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

Head to head
About

Chicago ETAs

This app provides real-time arrival estimates for Chicago's public transit system. It allows users to track specific departures on their lock screen, save favorite stops, and find nearby locations. Detailed route information is also available.

Highlights
  • Real-time arrival times
  • Lock screen tracking
  • Favorite stops
  • Nearby stops finder
  • Detailed route information
Read full description

Key Features: - Real-Time Arrival Times: Get up-to-the-minute updates for CTA buses and trains. - Lock Screen Tracking: Show live ETAs for busses and trains on lock screen to conveniently track specific departures. - Favorite Stops: Save your frequently used stops for quick access to arrival times. - Nearby Stops: Easily find nearby bus and train stops based on your current location. - Detailed Route Info: Look up specific buses and trains to view route details and schedules. This app is not affiliated with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), though displays data provided publicly by the CTA.

About

Transit Glance

Read full description

Transit Glance makes navigating Chicago easier with real-time CTA train and bus arrivals. LIVE ACTIVITIES & DYNAMIC ISLAND Start tracking any stop and watch your arrival countdown update on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island—without reopening the app. ALL CTA TRAINS & BUSES Get arrival information for every “L” line—Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, and Yellow—plus active bus routes throughout Chicago. NEARBY STATIONS & STOPS Quickly discover transit options near you, see walking distances, and check upcoming arrivals. FAVORITES & RECENTS Save the stops you use most and return to recently viewed routes with a tap. WEATHER AT A GLANCE See current conditions alongside nearby transit information so you can prepare before heading out. SCAN & GO Scan a Transit Glance QR code to open a route or stop instantly. App Clip support lets you check arrivals without installing the full app. BUILT FOR CHICAGO Whether you’re commuting, exploring the city, or trying to catch the next bus, Transit Glance keeps the information you need close at hand. CTA arrival information is provided in real time and may be affected by service conditions or data availability. Transit Glance is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Chicago Transit Authority.

Screenshots

Chicago ETAs4 screens
Transit Glance4 screens

Verdict

The call

Chicago ETAs and Transit Glance are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Chicago ETAs versus Transit Glance: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChicago ETAsTransit Glance
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.0 — better18.1
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEmil MikkelsenYoel Nozar

In-app purchases

None

Chicago ETAs

No in-app purchases

None

Transit Glance

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chicago ETAs free?
Chicago ETAs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Transit Glance free?
Transit Glance is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chicago ETAs or Transit Glance have ads?
Neither Chicago ETAs nor Transit Glance shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Chicago ETAs or Transit Glance?
Chicago ETAs ships an update fortnightly, and Transit Glance fortnightly. Most recently, Chicago ETAs was updated on October 30, 2026 and Transit Glance on October 12, 2026.

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