# Transit Tracker - Chicago

> Route schedules, maps, and real-time tracking of CTA buses.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hillman.ctatracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hillman.ctatracker)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.hillman.ctatracker`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** hillman apps
- **Category:** MAPS\_AND\_NAVIGATION
- **Downloads:** 16,217
- **Rating:** 4.13 / 5 (57 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.4.7
- **Last updated:** 2024-04-16
- **First published:** 2012-11-15
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 6.89 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-15
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hillman.ctatracker)
- **Website:** [http://transit-tracker.com/](http://transit-tracker.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://transit-tracker.com/privacy](https://transit-tracker.com/privacy)

## Description

**Transit Tracker - Chicago** offers real-time tracking of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses using public APIs. Easily monitor multiple bus routes or individual buses, download route schedules, and view origin/destination times in tabular or map formats. The extension provides nearby stop searches based on your current or specified location, with optional filters.

Set up custom alerts to notify you when buses approach or arrive at your selected stops, keeping you informed of your commute. Additional features include direction assistance via Google Maps, light/dark themes, satellite and traffic map overlays, customizable update intervals, screen dimming controls, and personalized alert ringtones. Please note, this is an unofficial app not affiliated with CTA.

## Rankings

- #470,822 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`
- `com.hillman.ctatracker.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.hillman.ctatracker.permission.C2D_MESSAGE`
- `com.hillman.ctatracker.permission.MAPS_RECEIVE`

## Review summary

Users appreciate the app's accurate real-time bus tracking, reliable schedules, and helpful features like Alexa integration that assist in planning travel and avoiding long waits in cold weather. However, some users note the app shows global locations when searching, which complicates finding local stops, and that arrival times may occasionally be missing or based on schedules rather than live updates, affecting accuracy.

### Pros

- Accurate bus tracking feature that shows exact bus locations in real-time.
- Schedules and ETAs are generally accurate and useful.
- Helps users avoid waiting in the cold by providing timely arrival information.
- App is easy to use and works well for locating buses and planning travel.
- Integration with Alexa enhances usability.

### Cons

- App shows all matching locations globally when entering destination, making it hard to find local stops.
- Sometimes arrival times are not available, causing occasional inconvenience.
- ETA provided may be based on scheduled times rather than real-time updates, lowering accuracy at times.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Transit Tracker+ - Chicago](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hillman.ctatrackerplus) — 151 users, 5.00 / 5
- [CTA Transit Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.techchao.cta_bus) — 1,278 users, 4.70 / 5
- [Chicago Bus Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pconsole.ctabustracker) — 19 users
- [MyChicago Transit - for CTA](https://chrome-stats.com/d/cta.bus.tracker) — 9,403 users, 4.44 / 5
- [Chicago Transit Tracker Pro](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.jsdfproductions.ctatrackerpro) — 6,977 users, 3.78 / 5
- [Chicago Bus Tracker Live](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.chicago.bustracker) — 1,906 users
- [Transit Tracks: CTA Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.duanstar.cta) — 634,125 users, 4.66 / 5
- [Chicago Transit Tracker Lite](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.jasonshah.ctatracker) — 384,286 users, 4.31 / 5
- [Chicago CTA Bus Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.chicago.free) — 33,797 users, 4.28 / 5
- [CTA Bus CTA Train live Track](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ctabus.staticmap) — 439 users
- [Chicago CTA Train Bus Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ctatracker.chicagotransitcta) — 134,587 users, 4.50 / 5
- [Transit Tracker - NYC](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hillman.mtatracker) — 63,418 users, 4.36 / 5

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hillman.ctatracker)