This was posted 11 years 4 months 28 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • expired

FREE iOS/Android App Tags Drunks, Dangerous Passengers, Inspectors (Free for First 10,000 Users). Normally $1.99

2714

Just launched a new App for tagging Ticket Inspectors and dangerous/drunk passengers on Public Transport called 'Spector'.
Available on both iOS and Android.
Aims to make public transport safer and more enjoyable for commuters.

(Don't worry, I checked with a lawyer and it doesn't break any laws)

On opening the app you will be shown a map displaying any nearby inspectors or dangerous passengers that have been tagged.
If you spot an inspector/danger you can tag an it at your current location and say where you are (eg. Train Station)

Free for the first 10,000 users!

iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id570529566
Android Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apps.guanx…

I worked on this app with my friend's company Guanxi3. You can check out my other apps at http://www.shinyblur.com

Thanks guys. Love to hear feedback about your experiences with the app/the idea.

EDIT: Google play store was still saying $0.99 for a while. Should be saying free now.

Related Stores

iTunes Store guanxi3
iTunes Store guanxi3
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Marketplace

closed Comments

  • It's asking me for $0.99…

    • Seems like the Google play store is taking a moment to update to free. Hopefully that fixes itself in a few minutes.

    • It's free now :)

  • +1

    Interesting idea, says 99c on Play store…

    • It's just taking a moment to update, should be free in a few minutes. Sorry about that!

      • +2

        Free now on google play!

      • Having had a look at it. Seems a bit flimsy on Android. I've had it crash once and when you click on someones posted bubble it puts a toast up… also the refresh button doesn't light up or move so I dunno if its refreshing not. There have already been a lot of inspectors and drunks sighted around australia…

        • Thanks for letting me know, I'll hopefully be releasing an update for the Android version in the next day. Also what did you mean but it puts a toast up?

  • +5

    "Free for the first 10,000 users!" - Play store policy is free app must always remain free.

    edit: from http://developer.android.com/distribute/googleplay/publish/p…

    "Deciding whether you app will be free or paid is important because, on Google Play, free apps must remain free"

    • -1

      Yea we'll just release it again as a paid version.

      • +1

        So current users won't get updates?

        • -2

          Should still be able to update both. Theoretically. I'll work something out.

        • +1

          So basically "don't worry, download it and we'll see how later"

        • +12

          well.. it doesn't cost you anything to download it!

        • +2

          if you become reliant on it then I'm sure you'll find the money to pay for the full version if needed.

    • -6

      I'm giving him 10 minutes to explain or correct…

    • +1

      Ah, seems like it takes a few minutes to update the price. Hopefully that will be updated in a few minutes. Sorry for the confusion.

    • +1

      It's free now :) Just took a bit longer than expected to update the price.

  • +1

    Hmm can't seem to find it in the app store on my iPod touch..

    • Are you on the Australian App Store? Also it needs GPS capabilities so that might rule out some iPods.

  • hint: if you want people to use your app… try not to charge it for a year.

    if you want people to continue using your app… make sure it's worth the 1.99 you are charging for afterwards.

  • +1

    Yeah… 10,000 users is a bit optimistic.

    • See comment below lol :p

      • Alright then…

        • Doh, edited post below makes this not funny anymore

  • +2

    This seems like a flawed idea.

    What you tag something your going to be in a different suburb 1 minute later.

    So imagine 5 tags in one suburb, and nobody knows which train goes on which tag.

    And even if someone went to the effort of putting all the information in such as time and line, its going to be too late in most cases.

    • it's a good idea afterall…
      although i wonder how it would work… "ok ok! i'll surrender my phone… let me tag this first." :D

    • See comment above lol :p (prospectivedarkness)

      Doh, edited post makes this not funny anymore

    • Well in theory if an inspector could be tagged multiple times and as the tag gets older it becomes more faded so you could see the trail. Thanks for feedback though.

      • +6

        So your theory is that one or multiple people tag the inspector every minute?

        Again, in a busy train station you need to be able to know which train it is…

        I imagine this app will be installed by many and used by nobody, because it won't work…

        • Good point. I think adding a short comment such as which train line/carriage you're on/in is definitely likely in the future. Thanks for the feedback!

    • I agree that with this app it will promote or at least give the PTV another reason if they want to increase the fares.

      And even if we don't look from that perspective, this app that requires constant input from users, is not a bargain for being temporarily free.

      So, no deal.

  • Cheers, got it free for ios but it's coming up as 99 cents for android.

    Liking the angry ticket inspector graphic!

    • He's angry, because he has constipation?

      • +4

        No, because he can't get the app free on his android phone

        • Touche

    • +1

      Sorry about that, Google play store is just taking a while to update. Should be saying free. Glad you like the angry guy.

    • +1

      Free now :)

  • Thanks

  • +7

    I can see how someone might abuse the system to make sure they get an empty seat on the usually crammed trains :P

    • Haha clever. I hadn't thought of that.

    • +1

      You can achieve the same for free by being the violent/aggressive person…

  • -1

    Well the best thing to do is "Remember the 3 T's, Touch On, Touch off and Top Up"

  • +16

    Why are you putting Ticket Inspectors and dangerous/drunk passengers in the same category? If you have a valid ticket (which everyone should have) then how is knowing where the Ticket Inspectors are of any use. The only use this functionality has is to encourage illegal travel.

    I do like the idea of knowing where to avoid dangerous passengers. Does the app include the ability to forward this information onto the relevant authorities so something can be done?

    • +4

      ticket inspectors probably have a duty to deal with dangerous/drunk passengers…maybe you just want to know which tram to catch WITH ticket inspectors on it to protect you! ;)

    • +3

      all my experiences with ticket inspectors (all with a valid ticket) have not been that great, if i can avoid them then that makes my day just a little better

      • lol why, did you look suss? Every encounter I have had each lasted maybe 10 seconds. All they do is check tickets and IDs.

    • +3

      Wow read what the OP has been saying, how hard is it to read one line?

      • You are an idiot. He said newly released app. You can't say its normally $1.99 if it just came out free. Same thing as a previous app which got downvoted.

    • +3

      and how does this involve the app :p

      • -5

        it doesn't. it just means that it will be pretty useless for a large number of commuters…

        this app is meant to be used on public transport.

  • +1

    If only we had a gunshot/violence tagging function…
    Bankstown Station would have so many tags :P

    • hmmm I could think of another kind of tagging function that I would love to be aware of so as to avoid those stops, and Bankstown would be overtagged, but it cannot be said.

      • please PM with said suggestion hahaha

  • +3

    Similar to https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id348378840?mt=8

    Not sure why you need to tag ticket inspectors unless you want to dodge them for overriding.

  • +4

    How accurate is this when you tag inspectors on a moving train/bus?

    This app is a fail. LOL

  • +1

    Its ok we have dedicated PSO's on every station after dark here in Victoria…
    Oh wait that was just an election promise silly me :) Carry on…

    EDIT: yes this app is fail app

    EDIT: just buy a ticket and you have no worries from 'angry inspectors'
    I love it when I see video of people trying to run and get KO'd

  • Doesn't work on my android.

    • Thanks for letting me know. What sort of phone do you have? I'll try to get a patch sent out tonight if possible.

      • doesnt work on my htc desire

  • -1

    My problem with this is the highly likely scenario of "false positive". People looked at the app and no ticket inspectors… while in fact there could be one there just no one reported them.

    • +7

      what you are referring to sir is a false negative. - false positive would be where someone reports an inspector where there is none.

      • +1 for the dignified, old-world charm of your comment. The only appropriate rejoinder now would be a dignified slap across the face with a glove.

  • +1

    this app is useless without a user base, so by offering it for free you will be doing the "work" to get the app off the ground.

    as pointed out by previous posters I don't think there is enough reward for people to pay for an app, and also update it whenever they see a ticket inspector. not to mention that in the case of a train, they could be on any of the carraiges and you wouldn't see them.

  • +1

    A similar (same?) app was posted here on Friday afternoon

    FREE iPhone App Tags Ticket Inspectors ($0.99 on Android). Normally $1.99

    and removed as "Inappropriate" by a mod, how is this any different?

    • did you post that app?

      • No, I just obsessively read most posts here, that's all.

    • I got approval to reupload from a moderator after they reviewed the situation.

      • +1

        No probs, revoked neg.

  • +1

    it doesn't come up in the play store on my tablet (original samsung galaxy tab).

    ps. this sort of program that completely relies on the number of users, should be free (ad-supported). i think you should reconsider your business model. free (non-crippled) version that is ad-supported, and paid app for people who don't want ads.

    • +1

      completely relies on the number of users

      i doubt anyone would pay $1.99 for this…

    • Ah that's a shame. It says there are 537 devices that will support the app. I guess the original samsung galaxy tab isn't one of them? It needs location services (GPS) etc.

      • the orginial SGT does have gps…so that shouldn't be the problem…

  • +1

    I can understand tagging drunks and dangerous individuals to be beneficial to the community, but how does tagging ticket inspectors do you any good unless you're riding without a ticket.

    In fact by tagging inspectors to help fare evaders, just gives the train operators to an excuse to pump up ticket prices to cover their fare.

    • +4

      some of the ticket inspectors are also drunks and dangerous individuals. Best to play it safe dude.

    • +2

      I can understand tagging drunks and dangerous individuals to be beneficial to the community

      How? If the tram, train or bus moves these drunk and dangerous individuals as soon as you've tagged them…

      The person viewing the app will know where they were, not where they are now

      • +1

        Can't you promote it more heavily within the drunk and dangerous community, to tag themselves?

        I'd use it non-stop to tag myself: I'm crazy-dangerous!

    • Spam the system .. just tag lots of ticket inspectors as a way to keep ticket dodgers off the trains.

  • +11

    Why are there any upvotes on this app, not that i don't appreciate the hard work into this app, but it is a terrible idea.

    The tagging is just assisting more scum to get across the stations illegally,thats if you can get the tagging anywhere close to where the ticket inspectors actually are.

      • +21

        Well ACTUALLY, it affects everyone. The more revenue lost through fair evasion, the higher ticket prices get pushed up for majority of people that do pay. It also affects budgets and taxes. Or were you not aware of how society functions?

        And frankly, the only way this app would be useful is if it had a decent user base, which is a catch 22, because it's pretty much useless as no one would actually bother using it…

        • +6

          My thoughts exactly, neg for this 'deal' from me. It's illegal to not pay for a ticket, and this app is therefore encouraging people to break the law. That is, if it worked, which it won't unless a lot of people want to break the law.

        • -7

          Well ACTUALLY, it affects everyone. The more revenue lost through fair evasion, the higher ticket prices get pushed up for majority of people that do pay. It also affects budgets and taxes. Or were you not aware of how society functions?

          It's not going to stop fares going up either you know…

        • +1

          This and most similar comments have said what I'm thinking. At BEST, this app is immoral & trying to be sly about its nature/motive.

          Public transport is struggling enough. We need more security, more trains, more users… feeding a better & cheaper system.

        • @cwong so following your logic, if you are going to crap anyway, why bother to eat to begin with?

        • -1

          OH GUYS KEEP USING AEROSOL CANS IF ONLY 10% STOP IT WON'T HELP GLOBAL WARMING,

          I can't believe the amount of small minded and not thought out comments on this site.

        • -2

          Wow. You guys on your high horses. If you really wanted to, just use the fake GPS app and tag everywhere to scare campaign all the fare-evaders and keep paying your standard rates for Public transport. Of course until they do another "We're improving the public transport system! No longer called MyBus, we're calling it iBus tickets!" + 10% fare increase for "improvement" + 10% "carbon tax fee"

          OH GUYS KEEP USING AEROSOL CANS IF ONLY 10% STOP IT WON'T HELP GLOBAL WARMING,

          Aerosol cans have been produced already. This is one of those stupid arguments where you don't use paper to "save trees". The goddamn paper has been cut down already, the tree has already gone, just make sure you recycle it.
          Go plant some trees if you really care about "saving the environment".

          Also, I'm not saying I agree with this app, but negging it doesn't do anything either.
          FYI: I pay for all my fares too. You really think that fare evasion is going to cost the trains more to run? It already runs at a predetermined schedule at a predetermined price.
          Fixed cost is what it is called.
          Inflation, increase of energy costs, increase in worker's wages is what causes your fares to go up.

          Stop barking and study some basic economics.
          If you really want to stop fare evasion, ask for the Revenue Protection Officers' number and go report some fools.

        • +1

          @reflekt, lol@ your own post.

        • +1

          cwongtech, NO. not a high horse. yes our public transport is crap and expensive, but by freeloading and not paying for tickets people are only making the matter worse. saying they keep on making it expensive is NOT a justification for not paying for your ticket.

        • +1

          so telling others to 'study some basic economics' is not being on your high horse?

          if you actually listened to your econs lessons, tell me how many times the words "ceteris paribus" was being brought up?

          how about studying some practical business finance+accounting would help you, if you actually understood what causes expense and bad debts to a company.

          logic is simple, if people know wtf they SHOULD be doing, others who are living in the same space don't have to bloody fix their crap! or pick up after their shit.

          pay for what you owe, it's not a hard concept to grasp is it?

        • Why don't they do a MicrosoftWin8 and lower the fares.. It'll encourage a higher rate of people using public transport (LOVELY…) but should also increase revenue, and hence more money.
          There's a reason why Sydney is rated 4th worst of major cities in the world, as you said: Crap and expensive. Never on time.

          I'm not sure why the maker of this app wants to charge for it though… probably ad-based revenue is better.

          P.S. Call the WAMBULANCES lads.
          Also regarding the use of the app: ??? apart from tax-evasion

          Oh gosh, pulling out some Latin with "All Else Equal"! TBH - my econ class was via distance delivery :D, textbook doesn't spam Latin AllElseEqual that much from memory.

          I think this should be in OzB's history as one of the "Most controversial"

        • +1
          1. there is no competition to lower prices
          2. we're told that cityrail (sydney) loses money every hour they run trains
          3. which is more expensive, driving every day to work (let's say a trip from hornsby to the CBD) or catching the train? also factor in the amount of maintenance that will be required on the car as that is reflected in usage. (real question.)
Login or Join to leave a comment