Navigating your commute is never easy. Thank the commuting gods for transit apps to help you along the way.
Mobility Lab, a research center and news source for transportation behavior and policy, listed what it says are the three best transit apps to help you on your commuting journeys.
The recommendations don’t come lightly. Mobility Lab first published an article in 2015 on the best apps for riders. Since the transit app world has changed, they decided to update their recommendations by comparing the different features of what’s on the market.
Before we unveil the apps and what makes them different, here is what they have in common. You get real-time arrival information for public transportation, ride-hailing and other modes of getting around.
The apps also provide directions for trips, and work in most major cities. And if you’re a Google Maps or Apple Maps user, you’ll like the fact that the apps can give you real-time arrival information without having to tap in your destination.
Here’s an overview of what Mobility Lab recommends to help you make your trips easier.
Transit
For commuters, Mobility Lab loved Transit.
Transit markets itself as a simple and reliable app with a great user interface. It’s so easy to use you don’t have to tap your screen to grab upcoming departure times.
Transit allows you to plan your trip with real-time data. You use it “GO” feature to make decisions for you like having it show you need to get off the bus in three stops.
Data is available for 175 cities across the world.
Citymapper
When you are looking to do some exploring, Mobility Lab recommends Citymapper.
You can open the app and tap “Get me somewhere.” Then it will ask “Where you going. Type in your destination or a landmark, and you are on your way.
Data is available for 39 cities worldwide.
Moovit
Mobility Lab recommends Moovit for those looking for a no-frills app. Don’t let the simplicity fool you. Moovit says it has more than 350 million users.
If you are a New York City subway rider, you can check the status your subway line or see if there are any alerts like track maintenance.
You can also get directions by entering a starting point and destination. It will instantly give you your choice of routes.
Data is available for more than 2,000 cities across the world.
Transit App and Commuter Benefits: a win-win
Using these apps along with commuter benefits can help relieve some of the stress of your commute.
Commuter benefits can save up to 40 percent in commuting costs for public transit, qualified parking and rideshares.
To see how much you can save on your commute with commuter benefits check out our commuter calculator.
Want to learn more? Download our 101 guide and see how commuter benefits work!
