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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

WheresTheBus vs NJ TRANSIT

WheresTheBus 4.7★ · Free to download 60
Winner WheresTheBus
NJ TRANSIT 4.8★ · Free to download 30

WheresTheBus is a better choice for parents tracking school buses despite its inconsistencies, while NJ TRANSIT's recent update has made it largely unreliable and frustrating for public transit users.

Full reviews: WheresTheBus · NJ TRANSIT

WheresTheBus offers parents peace of mind by tracking school buses, though it suffers from frequent inaccuracies and technical glitches. NJ TRANSIT, despite a higher lifetime rating, has been severely impacted by a recent update, rendering it difficult to use for schedules, ticket purchases, and real-time information.

Head to head

Features edge: WheresTheBusR2R6R7R11
WheresTheBus WheresTheBus allows parents to track their children's school buses, see routes, and receive notifications when kids are picked up or dropped off, which many find to be a 'life saver' and provides 'next level reassurance' R11. However, users frequently report missing key functionalities like estimated arrival times, notifications, and the ability to track substitute buses R2R6R15. Some also note issues with QR code scanning R7.
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT users previously valued features like trip planning and viewing schedules for specific train routes R62. However, a recent update has removed or broken critical functionalities, including the ability to see what track a train is arriving on, view future bus or train schedules, and purchase bus tickets R63R64R70. The app also struggles with multi-pay features and displaying interim stops R66.
Ease of Use edge: WheresTheBusR3R16R30R36
WheresTheBus When WheresTheBus works, users find it convenient and easy to use R36. However, many report frequent login issues, being kicked out of accounts, and difficulties with the app loading maps or displaying information R3R16R30. Some also find the new UI buggy and less functional than previous versions .
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT's recent update has significantly worsened its ease of use, with many users describing the new UI as 'terrible,' 'not user friendly,' 'confusing,' and 'non-intuitive' R63R70. Specific complaints include difficulty navigating to schedules, multiple clicks for common actions, and an intro screen that blocks functionality on iPads R62.
Reliability tieR1R3R4R9
WheresTheBus WheresTheBus is frequently criticized for being unreliable and inaccurate. Users report incorrect bus locations, inaccurate ETAs, buses appearing in wrong neighborhoods or states, and the app not working at all for extended periods R1R3R4R9. Some positive reviews mention it being 'pretty much always accurate' or 'very accurate' R12R36, but these are outweighed by reports of significant issues.
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT's reliability has plummeted after its recent update. Users report that bus arrival times, map locations, and crowdedness information are 'wildly inaccurate and unreliable' . Tickets often don't show up after payment, the app freezes, gives error messages, and push notifications for alerts have stopped working R84. The app is also criticized for not providing live train schedules .
Support tieR22R25R39R43
WheresTheBus WheresTheBus users report poor support, with issues like no one to speak with directly, tickets taking weeks to receive a response, and submitted reports not leading to fixes R22R25R39R43. The in-app help ticket pages are also described as not functioning correctly .
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT users also face significant support issues, with reports of no real customer support, emails and calls going unanswered, and support interactions not resolving problems like missing tickets or login issues R66R105.
Price/Value edge: WheresTheBusR1R4R11R17
WheresTheBus WheresTheBus is a free app that provides value by helping parents track school buses, offering reassurance and convenience R11R17. However, its frequent inaccuracies and malfunctions diminish this value, leading some to call it 'worthless' or 'pointless' when it doesn't work R1R4R22.
NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT is also a free app, but its recent update has severely reduced its value. Users report being unable to access monthly passes, purchase tickets, or get reliable schedule information, forcing them to buy physical tickets or miss transportation R84R105. This loss of functionality, coupled with reported price increases and poor service, makes the app a source of frustration rather than value .
Pick WheresTheBus if

Pick WheresTheBus if you are a parent primarily looking to track your child's school bus and are willing to tolerate occasional glitches and inaccuracies for the peace of mind it generally provides R11.

Pick NJ TRANSIT if

Skip NJ TRANSIT for now. If you absolutely must use it, be prepared for significant frustration with its current state, especially regarding schedules, ticket purchases, and real-time information R84R105.

Evidence note: The reviews for NJ TRANSIT are heavily skewed negative due to a recent update, which explains the discrepancy between its high lifetime rating and the critical recent feedback. WheresTheBus reviews show a more consistent mix of positive and negative experiences over time, but recent reviews also highlight significant issues.

Frequently asked

Is WheresTheBus accurate for tracking school buses?
WheresTheBus's accuracy is inconsistent; some users find it 'very accurate' and helpful for knowing when their child gets on and off the bus, while many others report that the GPS location is 'rarely accurate,' ETAs are 'not accurate,' and the bus location can be minutes or even miles off R12R13R22R35.
Can I view future schedules on the NJ TRANSIT app?
No, the recent update to the NJ TRANSIT app has removed or broken the ability to easily view future bus or train schedules; users report that if no trains are running at the current time, the app often prevents them from selecting a different date or time to check R62R63R64R70.
Are there issues with buying tickets on the NJ TRANSIT app?
Yes, many users report significant issues with buying tickets on the NJ TRANSIT app, including tickets not showing up after payment, the multi-pay feature not working, and specifically being unable to purchase bus tickets, with only rail options available R66R84R105R110.
Does WheresTheBus provide real-time estimated arrival times?
WheresTheBus often fails to provide accurate estimated arrival times (ETA); users wish it showed ETAs instead of just miles, and many report that when ETAs are shown, they are frequently inaccurate or delayed, leading to missed buses R2R3R13R15.

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] WheresTheBus 4/5 · US Bus: I wish it showed estimated arrival time not just miles
  2. [R6] WheresTheBus 3/5 · US Review: I think it should be notifications
  3. [R7] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US It went from being good to absolutely terrible: We used to be able to use the QR code for the buses but ever since you made it bigger we can't even use it anymore
  4. [R11] WheresTheBus 5/5 · US Great bus locator: We used to have lots of trouble with the bus, drivers getting lost, arriving late, etc. Now we can see where are kids are, what the route is, and know when they'll be at the stop. It's been a true life saver. The only downside is when they use a reserve bus that doesn't have tracking on it. But as long as it's our regular bus & driver (which it usually is) this app works great.
  5. [R3] WheresTheBus 3/5 · US Works maybe: This app always has bugs where you can use it perfectly fine one day but the next, you can’t even load the maps. Sometimes the bus isn’t even close to being where it shows and the ETA isn’t accurate, if it shows at all. This app is a nice concept though.
  6. [R16] WheresTheBus 2/5 · US Worse app: It’s the worst app ever, always kicking me out of my account and always glitching on me every time
  7. [R30] WheresTheBus 3/5 · US It's lagging now: Everyone was kicked out today, impossible to log in. · translated
  8. [R36] WheresTheBus 5/5 · US Convenient: Very accurate and convenient. I appreciate knowing when my child gets on the bus
  9. [R1] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US Worthless: It’s been almost a full school year and the app still does not work. Completely disappointing
  10. [R4] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US Useless: The information is never correct. Never the correct bus. Never the correct stop displayed. Very very unreliable.
  11. [R9] WheresTheBus 3/5 · US Works until it doesn’t: It’s fine. But not reliable. It’s usually a minute or 2 off from where the actual stop is. On delay days it doesn’t seem to work at all.
  12. [R22] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US Pointless: App is trash….the GPS location is rarely accurate, sometimes the assigned bus is in a whole different state than where we live. No one to speak directly with to troubleshoot issues.
  13. [R25] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US Missing major functionality: Yes, my phone is updated to the most current iOS as well as this app. Yes I have reached out to Support over a dozen times in the app, over email, etc. this app has largely lost the important functions for over 18 months in Arlington, Virginia. I say that because it’s very well possible that there’s a disconnect related to API with our school district, but that’s not
  14. [R39] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US THIS APP DOSEN’T WORK: This app doesn't always work; sometimes the tracking doesn't show up, and this school year it's been terrible. It's not working at all. I've sent several reports that it's not working and included the bus number, but they haven't done anything to fix the problem. It used to be a good app, but not anymore
  15. [R43] WheresTheBus 2/5 · US Terrible support: The app works but my low rating is for the support team. They are useless. It takes them weeks to respond when you submit a ticket for an app issue. What’s the point of having a support team when they are not helping to resolve issues?
  16. [R17] WheresTheBus 5/5 · US Awesome app: This app is awesome, and readiness to get kids prepared for school
  17. [R12] WheresTheBus 3/5 · US Rate: Great, pretty much always accurate helps me a lot when I don’t know where the bus is, but I need to know
  18. [R13] WheresTheBus 1/5 · US Not accurate: This app used to work when I first installed it but now it has been inaccurate for the past few months. My children have been late several times because of how off the ETA has been lately. The app will show that the bus will arrive at a certain time but it has often been at the stop well before the time that it shows on the app. There seems to be a delay. I even refreshed my phone se
  19. [R35] WheresTheBus 2/5 · US It’s okay: It doesn’t really show actually where it is and it’s always delayed
  20. [R62] 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
  21. [R63] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US The redesign is mid: The new design is a decent starting point but it still needs some love. The hamburger menu button is particularly bad. The UX could go for some improvement as well. Like why can’t I check future bus schedules?! You just get an annoying message telling you there aren’t any buses running at this time which makes no sense - it should always show you the next scheduled stop for yo
  22. [R64] NJ TRANSIT 2/5 · US New update is so frustrating: This app was so much better before the update. Now when you click on the train to check the schedule, if there are no trains on the day that you’re checking, you’re out of luck. It doesn’t give you the option to choose another date, it just tells you to choose another different origin. As a visually impaired person, this makes it very difficult to plan my only means o
  23. [R70] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Terrible update: WTF did you do with this update. The app is not user friendly at all. I can't even look at the schedule for tomorrow if there are no more trains departing, simply won't let you. Horrible design.
  24. [R66] NJ TRANSIT 3/5 · US App has issue (still): Well it has come a long way but still there is issues. Constantly putting in the three number code is annoying. The multi-pay feature does not work Went to Walgreens to add 10 bucks and they said the card can’t be activated.stuff like that and no real costumer support, makes the app Mid at best
  25. [R84] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US Terrible update: Ever since updating the app, none of my tickets have been showing up, even when my payment goes through. I keep getting an error message when I try to refresh the app. I’ve tried closing it and reopening it, signing out and logging back in, and even deleting the app and redownloading it and none of these solutions have worked. Beyond frustrating. Something needs to be fixed
  26. [R105] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US What happened: Why can’t I purchase bus tickets on this app anymore? When I select ‘Buy Tickets’ it only gives me the option the purchase rail tickets. I’ve emailed support twice and tried calling but haven’t been able to get a response
  27. [R110] NJ TRANSIT 1/5 · US How am I Supposed to Buy a Bus Ticket: Whatever you did, you broke the app. I can’t even buy a bus ticket, all I see are options to buy light rail tickets.
  28. [R15] WheresTheBus 3/5 · US Time: I give it a three because sometimes I can’t even see what time the bus comes so I have to guess what time to get to the bus stop and I have missed the bus a couple of times because of that.

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