Launched my first mobile application after being kidnapped using a taxi application
Description and use
The mobile app Takya lets users query public transport data directly from their phones, bypassing geolocation restrictions that blocked the web app.
Problem
Public transport data sources were blocked when accessed from cloud IPs, preventing a web app from providing vehicle information to users.
Outcome
Takya is a mobile app that allows users to query public transport data directly from their phones, avoiding cloud IP restrictions. It has been released to a small user base of friends and family.
Workflow
- 1. Build web app "Llegar a Casa" and deploy to cloud
- 2. Discover geolocation blocking of public data sources
- 3. Decide to shift to mobile app to avoid cloud IP
- 4. Choose React Native + Expo for cross‑platform development
- 5. Use AI tools (Cursor, Codex) to generate code for data retrieval
- 6. Add SQLite caching and rate limiting
- 7. Build marketing website and privacy policy
- 8. Create Apple and Google developer accounts
- 9. Submit app to App Store and Google Play (closed test for Android)
- 10. Release Takya to users
Evidence
Looking at the logs, the error was crystal clear. The data sources were blocked because of a geolocation issue.
I decided I didn't want to spend more time or resources on the project, so I left it open source and let it slowly fade away.
I had an idea: what if the app made those requests directly from the user's phone? That would remove the backend server between the app and the public data sources.
I chose React Native and Expo, which let me build for multiple platforms from one codebase.
SQLite caching stores recent results on the device, so the app can reuse them instead of requesting the same information again.
- Record date: 2026-10-03T00:40:57.853Z