METRO users will soon be able to report crimes and service problems on the network via a smartphone application, its operator said yesterday.

The “Metro Safety” app, which is available from Monday, is designed to make commuters the eyes and ears of the underground network, Shanghai Shentong Group said.

Throughout December, 1,500 people who download the program will be selected to take part in a trial of the new service. Anyone else who downloads it will have to wait until next year to get involved, it said.