BusBuddy Ottawa v4.1
My AppatoryAbout this app
BusBuddy Ottawa solves the problem of navigating Ottawa's OCTranspo transit network by providing an easy-to-use app, benefiting commuters and tourists alike. With a perfect 5.0 rating and over 100,000 downloads, it stands out in the Maps And Navigation category for its simplicity and effectiveness. Compared to alternatives, BusBuddy Ottawa's lack of permissions and free-with-ads model make it an attractive option for those prioritizing privacy and cost. However, its limited feature set might fall short for power users seeking more advanced transit planning tools.
Pros
- With a perfect 5.0 rating from users, BusBuddy Ottawa demonstrates exceptional quality and user satisfaction, indicating a well-designed and functional app.
- The app's moderate download numbers of over 100,000 suggest a significant user base, providing social proof of its effectiveness and reliability.
- The developer's decision to not request any permissions enhances user privacy and security, making it an attractive option for those concerned about data collection.
- The free-with-ads model allows users to access the app's functionality without incurring costs, although the presence of ads might be a drawback for some.
- The app's compatibility with Android 7.0 and above ensures a wide range of devices can utilize the app, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Cons
- The presence of ads in the app might be distracting or annoying for some users, potentially detracting from the overall user experience.
- The lack of in-app purchases or additional features might limit the app's functionality for power users seeking more advanced transit planning tools.
- The developer's website and email support might not be as comprehensive as larger developers, potentially impacting user support and feedback channels.
- The app's limited feature set, while easy to use, might not offer the same level of customization or complexity as other transit apps.
Best for: The ideal user for BusBuddy Ottawa is a commuter or tourist in Ottawa who values simplicity and ease of use in a transit app, likely with a moderate level of technical skill and a primary need for reliable and straightforward navigation of the OCTranspo transit network.
Developer Description
Navigate Ottawa's OCTranspo transit network with ease.
Save favourite stops and routes for quick access to information you need to get on your way.
Trip planner included using OCTranspo's trip planning capability.
Tips
1. Use 'long press' on routes and stops to save them as a favourite which will then appear on the main menu.
2. Use 'long press' on the main menu to edit/delete favourites.
3. Tap a single route on the main menu (in Stop Section) to get more details on that stop/bus route. Tap the right side of the stop cell to get stop times for all routes at that stop. Long press the right to edit that favourite stop.
Suggestions welcome - send email to help@myappatory.com
Privacy
Given that BusBuddy Ottawa requests no permissions, the risk of data collection is minimal, and users can feel relatively secure using the app. However, as with any free app, users should be aware of the potential for ads to collect anonymous usage data. To enhance privacy, users can consider using the app in offline mode when possible or reviewing the developer's privacy policy for more information.
Tips
For first-time users, setting up the app is straightforward, but exploring the app's settings can help optimize performance and battery life. Users can also take advantage of the app's offline capabilities to plan routes without incurring data charges. Additionally, integrating BusBuddy Ottawa with other transit or mapping apps can enhance the overall transit experience.
What's New
Version Information
- Version
- 4.1
- Downloads
- 100K+
- Updated on
- Jul 21, 2025
- Released
- Aug 23, 2016
- Requires
- Android 7.0
Statistics
Google Play Rating History
Rating Distribution
Downloads Over Time
BusBuddy Ottawa has been downloaded times. Over the past 30 days, it averaged downloads per day.
Shaded area shows 30-day prediction based on historical trends
Historical data collection started recently. More data points will be available over time.
BusBuddy Ottawa users say on Google Play
the advertised content is overflowing and is obstruction the actual buss time content in the "Favourite stops page".
Nice update, but can you guys add the date and time again for trip planner. It was a cool and helpful feature for planning trips days before.
When the bus goes past its predicted arrival time at the stop, the app no longer shows the bus' location. Did I just miss it? Should I wait? Choosing a later stop on the line, the bus location reappears. This is a recent (irritating) change, and possibly an update mistake, but otherwise the app is good.
I really want to like this app, especially because as far as I know it's the only octranspo app other than Google maps. But the only reason I need it is to show when the next bus is coming for my favourite stops. It can only show three favourite stops, there's no option to scroll and it seems random which three it will choose. If the one you want at the moment isn't there, you have to find it in routes, unfavourite and re-add. I just wanted to see an overview of all my common stops.
TERRIBLE since the 05/15/19 update! things not saving properly under favourites, bus routes shown as late/not running when its the opposite, VERY hard to use on the go; used to be seamless but they added a bunch of features that aren't an improvement from the last version. Used to be my go-to transit app, but ya lost me! please make the app more user friendly! 01/02/2020 -no longer shows bus times for certain routes; just says they aren't available. Not sure it was possible, but the app is worse