Payphone Go • Hacker News Board

Re: Payphone Go

#11

Post by bittercynic » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 1:58 PM UTC

I'm absolutely going hunting for some nearby payphones this weekend!

In the recording on this one [1] the caller states that the payphone is on the caltrain station platform, but on the map it's about 1000 feet from there. Searching the address on google maps correctly shows it at the station, though.

eta: found it on street view! [2]

[1] https://walzr.com/payphone-go/?phone=398

[2] https://maps.app.goo.gl/4pzjemwUqHYgnLHs8

Re: Payphone Go

#12

Post by rickcarlino » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:00 PM UTC

Please expand this to other states. This is such a fun and creative idea.

Re: Payphone Go

#13

Post by FugeDaws » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:03 PM UTC

pjmlp wrote: post #9

FugeDaws wrote: post #4

Damn this needs building for the UK payphones there are a dying breed too and they used to be everywhere

In Germany some of the booths were converted into public libraries, those that people use to freely exchange books. They are rare, but I have already spot some in the wild.

yeh UK went from 100,000+ now i think theres 20,000 left half of those i bet dont work

Re: Payphone Go

#14

Post by tantalor » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:13 PM UTC

Would benefit from seasons i.e. wipe the leaderboard every once in a while

Re: Payphone Go

#15

Post by puppykito » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:17 PM UTC

Honorable mention: https://walzr.com/payphone-go/?phone=1599

I don't know why but I find this person very cute with how excited they sound about the local library.

Will try to find some payphones myself.

Re: Payphone Go

#16

Post by hersko » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:19 PM UTC

This is amazing

Re: Payphone Go

#17

Post by bknis53423 » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:32 PM UTC

As a GIS programmer and a payphone nerd. I love love love this.

Re: Payphone Go

#18

Post by nthdesign » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:39 PM UTC

rickcarlino wrote: post #12

Please expand this to other states. This is such a fun and creative idea.

I second this! I'd love to have this for PA or NJ.

Re: Payphone Go

#19

Post by xp84 » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 2:47 PM UTC

Nice, by playing this you’re also supporting the continued existence of the phones (in a small way) since the toll-free number pays them.

Re: Payphone Go

#20

Post by thaack » Fri, Mar 06, 2026, 3:05 PM UTC

rickcarlino wrote: post #12

Please expand this to other states. This is such a fun and creative idea.

This works because California requires licensing for payphones and Riley was able to FOIA state payphone database. I'm not sure if other states require licenses for payphones.