# NextMetroSTL vs Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NextMetroSTL at 71% against Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker's 23%. NextMetroSTL also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NextMetroSTL asks for nothing beyond the download.

NextMetroSTL holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 18 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of NextMetroSTL's written reviews are positive against 23% of Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker's.

NextMetroSTL ships an update every 6 months, Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NextMetroSTL | Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextmetrostl/id792173523/reviews)** | [3.3 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chicago-cta-train-bus-tracker/id1561708722/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | **70.6% of reviews** | 23.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Michael Menne](https://appshunter.io/developer/792173526) | [Manish Chawla](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560330628) |

## What reviewers say

### NextMetroSTL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextmetrostl/id792173523)

Get real-time arrival information for MetroLink trains in the St. Louis area. This app is designed for speed and ease of use, requiring only GPS to function.

**Highlights:** Real-time train arrival information, Nearest station identification, Offline functionality, GPS integration, St. Louis area service

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chicago-cta-train-bus-tracker/id1561708722)

Navigate Chicago's public transit with real-time bus and train tracking. Plan your journeys with detailed route information, departure and arrival times, and an offline rail map. Enjoy personalized day and night modes for a seamless travel experience.

**Highlights:** Live CTA bus tracking, Metra train time tracker, Offline Chicago rail map, Journey planner, Departure & arrival timings, Day & night modes

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy us a coffee to remove ads | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NextMetroSTL free?

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

### Is Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker free?

Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NextMetroSTL or Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker?

NextMetroSTL is rated higher. NextMetroSTL averages 4.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker averages 3.3 from 18 ratings.

### Do NextMetroSTL or Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker have ads?

Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker shows ads; NextMetroSTL does not.

### Which is updated more often, NextMetroSTL or Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker?

NextMetroSTL ships an update every 6 months, and Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker every 6 weeks. Most recently, NextMetroSTL was updated on October 23, 2026 and Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker on October 24, 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.*