Metrobus: Sussex, Surrey, Kent 4+

Good App

Update: The developer has just confirmed that data is not sent to Google as it does not actually use the mapping engine, just the map itself

It uses Google maps, which basically means Google know exactly where you are and what buses you use, and they use that data to give you ads about where you are.

Developer Response ,

Thank you very much for your review. Whilst our maps do use Google Maps tiles to overlay the visual of the map, it doesn't actually use Google's mapping engine and therefore no data is transmitted to Google beyond anonymised analytics data to help us make informed decisions regarding improvements to the app. We take data privacy seriously and we limit data transfer wherever possible. Hope that helps to reassure you!

Fine - when it works, but beware

I’ve used this app for years and at the start it was pretty good. So was Metrobus. Sadly no more.

The main problem with Metrobus is that it continues to cancel services. The problem with the app is that it still shows these services as running. Worse still, contrary to Metrobus’s claim that if a bus isn’t being tracked in real time, the timetable time is shown instead, it shows ‘real time’ info on the non existant service.
Both I and my brother have been caught out by that untruth before.

If you are going to use the app, do NOT rely on the real time departure unless you can see the bus on the tracking map. If it’s where it should be, fine. If not, be very wary. It might come, but in my experience it probably won’t.

The other problem with this app is in ticketing. I bought an electronic ticket, activated it when the bus was a couple of minutes away and bang. I was logged out of the app. No ticket.
Ever tried to log back into an app while your bus is waiting patiently at the stop. Not good. I buy with cash again.

As I said above, they used to be good but it is clear that the app, like the company is not being managed very well right now.

All you need

If you click on the stop it tells you what buses will depart from that stop.
It adapts to any delays and you can even check where the bus is on its route to you.
What else do you need?
I have found it really good and useful.