Dear reader,
My name is Dan. I am a New Yorker with a very interesting hobby: I like transit. I know how to get around New York City like the back of my hand, and I share that knowledge with any passer-by that asks me a question of "How do I get here?" just like I share the history of the system if anyone asks.
I used to run a photography page on Flickr (Da555nny).
I also run a video channel on YouTube (Da555nnyNYCT).
Besides transit, I am also interested in computer programming to the point that I made my own codes in my spare time or spend time dissecting existing codes to see what I can extract for my daily use. One day, I was exploring the new websites that opened up for MTA Bus Time and MTA Subway Time and I found the codes that the webpages used to build the text on the pages. I then tried using pattern recognition to see if I can make an app (through a tool taught to me in college, MIT App Inventor) that can automate the dissection.
I first started with buses because they were the only permanent codes available in 2015. I created an app that took the code and split it at specific spaces to extract text, which it then proceeded to place into text boxes. I made the app look like a WalkNYC countdown sign with the most consistent data that is possible to extract: the stops away. I sent my initial beta release of my apps to a handful of friends and they instantly loved it. They helped me perfect the app into what it is today.
I then found the codes of subway station clocks and thought of making an app as a shortcut to access all of the stations. Same as my Bus Stop Sign app, the app dissects the code and generates the text on specific slots. One thing I found difficult to make was the "All" sorter, which took some time because of the MTA's way of putting "Delay" in the script which throws off my numbers. I then released that app as a prototype to that same handful of friends, and they liked it even more. They told me what crashed, and what worked, and what needed layout adjustment.
After all of that, I realized I had stable versions with no major bugs to both of my apps, and I sent an application for my MTA subway bullet license in. I got my application filled out within 3 days, with full approval from the MTA to release my apps to the public. Both apps hit the Play Store on November 22, 2017.
The apps are always in the works and there will be no shortage of updates. I am a full time public schools worker and these apps I originally made for myself, but, me being generous, I wanted to help other passengers use these great tools for their day-to-day travel, and so the Play Store era for these apps began. Plus, my apps apparently worked when Bus Time or Subway Time was down, so I was surprised when they worked while the countdown clocks in stations went down.
Download and enjoy them. They are FREE, so why not?
Sincerely,
Dan
PS: I am constantly on a mission to improve these tools. If you want to suggest a feature or if you are having trouble running, don't hesitate to contact me by email: Da555nny@gmail.com