What’s changed
You may have noticed the banner ad at the bottom of the screen has recently grown a bit taller (approximately 25%). Google deprecated the older banner format function in their advertising SDK, and the replacement returns a taller banner.
I’m not happy about it either, but ignoring deprecated code is a problem I’d just have to deal with later. So I’ve reluctantly accepted the change. It wasn’t a decision I made to squeeze more revenue out of the app – it’s the cost of staying current with the tools I rely on.
If you’d rather not see ads at all, you can remove them entirely: £1.49/month or £9.99/year, with a free two-week trial. More on that at the end.
Why ads are there at all
Running an app isn’t free. Ever wondered why the maps functionality is hidden? Because it costs money. Storing photos and data, sending notifications, distributing new versions, detecting TfL outages so I can put up an alert – it all costs money.
Ads are a means to an end. The app was never designed around them and they’re not my primary focus. I keep the banner tucked away at the bottom and have it turned off entirely on my own device, because the app is much nicer without it. In its purest form, that’s how it’s meant to be used.
We live in a strange world where the norm is apps that cost nothing. From my side, it’s a bit like a baker giving away bread, or a barber not charging for haircuts. I’ve spent 13 years on London Bus Pal, and the ads are what keep it running.
How I treat your data
I respect every person using the app. You’re not a commodity to me – you’re someone who will be treated fairly, and your data will only ever be used as you’d expect.
The app works perfectly without location services on (you’ll just need to search for stops manually). When you do request nearby stops, your location is used only for that purpose and is never stored or linked to your account. I have never tracked users, and I never will.
I’m aware of other apps in my category that show full-screen ads at the exact moment you want to check your bus. I’m aware of others that offer free coffees in exchange for knowing where you go and when, even when their app isn’t open. I will never do that.
London Bus Pal is an app about tracking your bus, tube or train – not about tracking you.
Removing ads
If the ads bother you – and I wouldn’t blame you if they do – you can remove them entirely with a subscription:
- £1.49 per month, or
- £9.99 per year (works out at about 83p per month)
Both come with a free two-week trial, so you can experience the app ad-free before deciding.
If you can’t or don’t want to subscribe, that’s genuinely fine. The app remains fully functional with ads on, and I’m grateful you’re using it either way.
(If you want to read more on this topic, I’ve previously written about why subscriptions matter.)