There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to urban transit apps for smartphones, as well as a pile of dreck. But it can be a daunting task choosing an app to help navigate an unfamiliar public transport system. San Francisco app developer Embark has produced a series of very handy new programs that can even function without a data connection. We all know what a bummer it is to be in a subway station with no wifi or phone connections and no way to access our transit apps.

Embark’s apps already cover London, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, NJ Transit, Chicago, San Francisco and DC, with more on the way. And while Embark apps may have fewer bells and whistles than some other apps, the user interface is straightforward and users can Tweet, email or text itineraries to contacts with ease. Best of all, the Embark apps are free. You can find out more at their website or download at iTunes.

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