First Bus
How does the live bus tracker work in the First Bus app?
The live tracker shows a map with a bus icon that moves in real-time, so you can see exactly where your bus is and if it's stuck in traffic. This helped one user avoid waiting in the cold by showing them the bus was delayed due to roadworks, letting them duck into a shop until it was close.
Can I buy bus tickets directly through the app?
Yes, you can purchase tickets like a monthly pass or a day ticket right in the app and then just show your phone screen to the driver. It saves you from fumbling for cash or a card, and the app sometimes offers cheaper day tickets if you buy before 9 AM.
Why does the app sometimes freeze or show a bus as a motionless dot?
This is a known issue, especially in areas with weak signal, like near underpasses, and it can happen even on newer phones like the iPhone 15 Pro. If the map freezes, try closing and reopening the app, or wait a few seconds—sometimes it catches up once your signal improves.
What should I do if a ticket I bought doesn't show up in my active passes?
First, check your internet connection and refresh the tickets section. If it's still missing, use the app's contact form to report the issue with a screenshot of your receipt—the auto-reply will give you a case number, and support should follow up, though response times can vary.
How does First Bus compare to other bus tracking apps like Citymapper or Google Maps?
First Bus focuses specifically on First Bus services, so its live tracker is more accurate for those buses than general apps, which rely on schedule data. However, Citymapper and Google Maps offer broader route planning across multiple transit options and are often more stable, while First Bus can feel fragile with map freezes and lag.
