Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

NJ TRANSIT vs MTA TrainTime

NJ TRANSIT 4.8★ · Free to download 30
Winner MTA TrainTime
MTA TrainTime 4.9★ · Free to download 75

MTA TrainTime is the better choice due to its generally positive user experience and reliable functionality, while NJ TRANSIT suffers from widespread issues following a recent update.

Full reviews: NJ TRANSIT · MTA TrainTime

NJ TRANSIT has faced significant user backlash due to a recent update that introduced numerous bugs, made the app difficult to use, and rendered key features unreliable. In contrast, MTA TrainTime generally receives praise for its ease of use, clear information, and reliable ticket purchasing, despite some user complaints about surcharges and ticket policies.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: MTA TrainTimeR2R3R9R15
NJ TRANSIT Users report that the NJ TRANSIT app's recent update removed or broke essential features like viewing full schedules for future days, real-time bus ETAs, and track information R2R9. The ability to save favorite routes and stops has also been negatively impacted R3R15.
MTA TrainTime MTA TrainTime is praised for providing comprehensive information, including train layouts, full schedules, and connecting train times . Users appreciate the widget for tracking local stations . However, some users note issues with track information not appearing until after the train's first stop and a lack of combined ticket options for Metro-North and city travel .
Ease of Use and User Interface edge: MTA TrainTimeR8R12R15R22
NJ TRANSIT The NJ TRANSIT app's recent update is widely criticized for making the UI confusing, unintuitive, and difficult to navigate R8R12R15R22. Tasks that once took a few clicks now require many, and the layout is described as cluttered and poorly designed R15.
MTA TrainTime MTA TrainTime is consistently described as easy to use, intuitive, and user-friendly by many . Users appreciate its clean appearance and thoughtful layout . However, some users wish for auto-selection of the closest station and easier access to round-trip tickets .
Reliability and Performance edge: MTA TrainTimeR1R4R5R6
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT users report numerous reliability issues, including the app not opening on iPads R4R5, tickets disappearing after purchase R10, login problems R1R54, and frequent errors . Bus and train arrival times are often inaccurate or not live R6. The app is also described as slow and clunky R54.
MTA TrainTime MTA TrainTime generally performs well, with users stating that 'everything loads easily' and 'everything just works' . However, some users report the app crashing unexpectedly and issues with the reward system not crediting multiple ticket purchases R90. There are also complaints about trains being delayed .
Price and Value tieR10R25R30R49
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT users report issues with ticket purchasing, including money being taken without tickets appearing R10, the inability to buy tickets R30, and changes in bus zone on monthly passes R25. Some users feel the app leads to unnecessary ticket purchases or makes it harder to get refunds R49.
MTA TrainTime MTA TrainTime users frequently complain about an $8 surcharge for activating tickets too late or incorrectly, even when following instructions R64R67R69R70. There are also complaints about not being able to share tickets and tickets not lasting long enough . Some appreciate the daily pass options and that tickets are good for a month R91.
Customer Support and Account Management tieR1R19R54R67
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT users report submitting numerous support requests without success R1. Issues like login problems and difficulties with account access are common R1R19R54.
MTA TrainTime MTA TrainTime users find the in-app customer support unhelpful, often relying on garbage AI or automated responses R67. Some praise punctual and helpful customer service via chat . Users also report devices being banned without warning .
Pick NJ TRANSIT if

You primarily use NJ TRANSIT services and are willing to contend with significant app issues, hoping for future improvements .

Pick MTA TrainTime if

You use MTA services and prioritize an app that is generally easy to navigate, provides clear information, and reliably handles ticket purchases, even if you need to be careful about ticket activation policies .

Evidence note: The reviews for NJ TRANSIT are overwhelmingly negative and recent, primarily focusing on issues introduced by a major app update. This skews the perception compared to its lifetime rating. MTA TrainTime reviews are more balanced, with strong praise for usability alongside specific complaints about surcharges.

Frequently asked

What are the main problems with the NJ TRANSIT app?
The main problems with the NJ TRANSIT app, particularly after a recent update, include a confusing and difficult-to-use interface, the removal or breakage of key features like viewing future schedules and real-time bus ETAs, and critical bugs such as tickets disappearing after purchase and the app not opening on iPads R2R4R5R8.
Does MTA TrainTime have hidden fees or surcharges?
Yes, MTA TrainTime users frequently report an $8 surcharge for activating tickets too late or incorrectly, even when they believe they followed the app's instructions R64R67R69R70.
Can I buy tickets in advance with MTA TrainTime?
MTA TrainTime allows tickets to be purchased and they are generally good for a month R91, but some users complain about not being able to buy tickets for tomorrow or a few days in advance R82. There are also reports of policies that encourage purchasing right before you ride, such as only crediting one ticket towards rewards in a 15-minute window R90.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] NJ TRANSIT 5/5 · US Schedules: App looks nice but in some ways not as user friendly as the old one. It does not allow you to see schedules for specific train routes the following day. If there is no train at the time you are looking a pop up blocks you from changing the date. A bad flow that needs to be fixed. The old app would let you see all the trains traveling from point to point on a specific day. That is not po
  2. [R3] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US Move favorites: Favorites should be first not closest stops. I don’t care about closest stops on my daily commute I care bathe stop I need.
  3. [R9] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US Bring back trip planner: Not liking this update - in old version there was a place to help plan trips from location to location. Where is that functionality?
  4. [R15] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US Upgrade is downgrade: The UI of the latest version is more difficult to use. The two actions I need to do display my ticket and my favorite bus route take multiple clicks. Most of the intro screen actions are not useful. I have to collapse the nearby bus stops every time I use it to see my favorites on the secondary screen. You cannot combine multiple forms of transportation to get to your actual
  5. [R8] NJ TRANSIT 5/5 · US Awful Update and UI changes: The app was atleast usable before, now this UI system is honestly the worst thing I’ve ever seen. It’s a learning curve to get bus routes, train routes, extra pressing to find the route. What was the thought process here? Are we forgetting that apps also have to be accessible and intuitive for our older population as well? Reverse the changes and just fix the bug. Not
  6. [R12] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US Latest update a down date: Somehow the latest iteration has made the navigation worse. It is now more confusing to find your station, and be sure whether the app is sending you to a bus train, or what?? Would be helpful if the interim stops were listed like the MTA app does.
  7. [R22] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Go back to the old layout: The most recent update that changed the whole layout just makes everything more confusing and takes away departure vision. Geez as if it isn’t bad enough to have to cross your fingers that your train is on time everyday. Scrap this revamp from whenever you launched it like two months ago and go back to the clunky looking version that works and is actually easy to use. Yo
  8. [R1] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US World cup garbage: Whatever they did to update the app for the world cup completely broke the app. I cannot log into my account to access my monthly pass, view a train schedule or buy tickets. I have submitted numerous support requests and have had back and forth with support without success. I fully expect njt to reimburse me for the extra tickets I have to physically buy as a result of this. As
  9. [R4] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US App malfunctions: App doesnt open on an apple ipad
  10. [R5] NJ TRANSIT 5/5 · US CANT USE WITH IPAD: the blue intro page is stuck when I open the app I can’t even use this app on my iPad yall need to make it smaller or something so I can click the “get started” button
  11. [R6] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US It started out good: It started off good it gives a good time sometimes accurate sometimes not lately ur bus ticket’s not working
  12. [R10] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Horrible App: This app is so bad, there’s always, always, always something wrong and it’s latest issue is when you buy a ticket the money comes out your account but doesn’t show in the ticket section. They are robbing people.
  13. [R25] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Changes in bus zone in monthly pass ticket: I usually buy the train monthly pass from Lyndhurst to NYC Penn station. The ticket works on both bus and train and it used to be bus zone 3 on the ticket. However, on this month - June it shows bus zone 2 for the exact same price despite the train ticket being from Lyndhurst to NYP ? And even buying only a bus zone 3 monthly pass ticket is cheaper than
  14. [R30] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Can’t buy tickets: The + button to add tickets is disabled 90% of the times that I try to book from Trenton to Penn NY
  15. [R49] NJ TRANSIT 2/5 · US Horrible upgrade: This update was not needed, it’s been incredibly difficult getting scheduled bus times and I can’t even see the times. Not only that , but the SMS errors have been taking my money and wasting my time at the bus stop, I already lost $32 in tickets with no refunds. Do better
  16. [R19] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · GB weird app: almost everyone i know has had difficulty with the sign up. if you don’t have notifications on for your emails then it’s impossible. whenever you leave the app it will time out, making it impossible for you to sign up
  17. [R54] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Extremely slow: Extremely slow app, in the process logging in 17 times i got locked out of my account while on the train . No thx. Just use website.
  18. [R67] MTA TrainTime 1/5 · US Almost as worthless the MTA: Activating a ticket and having it scanned by a conductor within 2 mins automatically flags you as trying to dodge the fare. Can’t contact customer support via the app either, only garbage AI and automated responses telling you to use the website. Almost as worthless as the MTA as a whole.
  19. [R64] MTA TrainTime 1/5 · US bad surcharge: do not use the app just buy the tickets in person
  20. [R69] MTA TrainTime 3/5 · US Partial refunds on tickets purchased within 24 hours.: App is okay … but a $10 refund fee on a ticket purchased within 24 hours of refund is ridiculous. My phone died because of the apps location tracking and I had to buy a physical ticket.
  21. [R70] MTA TrainTime 1/5 · US SCAMMERS: better off buying paper tickets
  22. [R82] MTA TrainTime 1/5 · US Why is app only allowing you to buy a ticket on the day you're going to use it?: I can understand not allowing you to buy a ticket a week or month in advance, but why can't you buy a ticket for tomorrow or two days in advance? This is wrong and should be resolved ASAP
  23. [R90] MTA TrainTime 2/5 · US Very funky policies: You can only purchase 1 ticket in 15 mins to credit towards rewards program. If you purchase multiple, it will not credit it. It is forcing you to purchase right before you ride.
  24. [R91] MTA TrainTime 5/5 · US Very Easy and Convenient: A brilliant use of technology to save us time and stress. If it turns out your plans change the ticket is good for a month.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store