The proliferation of smart phones has made public transit more accessible than ever before. Hundreds of applications are available, each offering unique ways to traverse transit systems around the globe from the palm of your hand.
The apps listed on this page have been reviewed by NYPTA and/or member systems and found to be timely, useful and, above all, New York based.
To suggest an app for inclusion on this page, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
511 NY
511NY is the free, official one-stop, all-encompassing telephone and Web service offering information on transportation services and conditions throughout New York State. Their mobile app offers traffic and transit data, in addition to trip planning through public transit throughout the state.
GoCentroBus
Welcome to the GoCentroBus mobile app! The ONLY official transit app from Centro. This app is the fastest, easiest way to ride the bus in Central New York. The GoCentroBus app uses GPS technology to track your bus in real-time so you know exactly when it will arrive at your stop. No more missing the bus! Find out more here!
Google Maps
Google Maps for mobile pulls from Google's ever-expanding public transit database and features all of the key features from the Google Maps website and more, including step-by-step navigation; public transit walking, biking and driving directions; street view; satellite view; and traffic conditions.
AnyStop
AnyStop is a series of applications developed Android devices designed to help you use transit. It combines real-time and scheduled transit information to deliver the best possible estimation of when your bus will arrive. "Schedule" information is based on transit agency posted schedules. "Real-Time" information are predictions made by gathering information from GPS-equipped buses, so are highly accurate. You can use AnyStop to find bus stops near you, to find routes running near you or to browse all stops by agency. Click the links below to download AnyStop for your area.
- AnyStop: Bee-Line Bus
- AnyStop: Capital District Transportation Authority
- AnyStop: Downtown Alliance
- AnyStop: Long Island Bus
- AnyStop: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
- AnyStop: MTA New York
- AnyStop: MTA Metro North
- AnyStop: New York Water Taxi
- AnyStop: Niagara Falls Transit
- AnyStop: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
- AnyStop: Roosevelt Island
CDTA iRide
CDTA iRide on your iPhone makes getting around on CDTA buses a breeze. This trip planner covers bus service in Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Saratoga Counties in New York.
MTA BusTime
MTA BusTime is an iPhone app that provides estimated bus stop arrival times and map locations for buses. It is a quick and easy way for bus customers to find out approximately when the next bus will be arriving at a specific stop. MTA BusTime uses GPS devices to show you where buses are on a map or in tabular view. Now you'll know when a bus is estimated to arrive at your stop, even if you are still at the office, shopping, or dining.
Exit Strategy NYC
Exit Strategy NYC boasts that it can "shave minutes off every ride" by providing suggestions for where to enter the system, where to stand on the platform, which direction to walk when exiting the train, and which exit to take to come out closest to your ultimate destination. It includes bus information for all five boroughs, as well. While designed for iPhone, "lite" versions are offered for other platforms.
NYCMate
NYCMate includes full access to neighborhood maps, times, and even schedules for bus routes. The initial download includes the entire New York City subway system map, a fully touchable feature. Maps in the NYCMate application service the tri-state area and include the MTA Subway, Buses, Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, and the PATH trains.
City Maps 2Go
City Maps 2Go offers iPhone users city maps and walking tours for over 460 countries around the world. It provides transit information and detailed, turn by turn walking directions. Once maps are downloaded, the app is fully functional without internet or data connection.
Roadify
Roadify, for iPhones, helps commuters get the information they need from official sources, while also allowing them to help one another along the way by adding reports of their own. Roadify focuses on real-time transit information accessible anytime and (eventually) in any city.
The Transit App automatically detects an iPhone user's location, zones in on the public transport routes in your area, and shows you the next available times, providing color coding to match the transit system in your area. Downloads for particular areas can be cached locally you so don't have to worry about getting caught without a connection. You can even download destination bundles for trips when you're on Wi-Fi so you don't waste cellular data or risk poor connections when traveling.
