Uber wants you to use its app even if you aren’t booking a ride. Those who drive their own cars in the US can now book a parking spot before they reach their destination, saving the hassle of driving around looking for one in crowded areas. The app will now let people find a parking space, compare prices, and make a reservation. Over 13,000 parking spots are currently available, across over 400 cities and towns in the US and Canada.
According to the company, the aim is to make travel seamless for those using their own cars as well as those booking a typical Uber cab. The company announced its intention to develop such a feature in February this year, when it acquired startup SpotHero, whose app did exactly the same thing.
Parking operators will work with Uber through SpotHero’s framework to list their spaces on the app and implement reservations. The 13,000 spaces include open lots, covered garages, and even facilities with valet service.
Uber users can search by area and filter by parking space type to see available options on a map. Amenities at different locations are also listed. Payment is handled via users’ existing Uber payment options. Drivers will need to add their car’s make, model, license plate number, and other identifying information to their app profile for a reservation to be made.
When a booking is confirmed, users will receive instructions to find the exact reserved space. A parking pass will be created in the app. Depending on the facility, users might need to scan a QR code or allow their license plate to be recognised in order to authenticate and begin billing. If a user needs to stay parked for longer than they originally indicated, they can request a time extension through the app as well.
In addition to regular commuters, Uber is targeting events, venues, and airports where there is typically high demand for parking spaces. EV charging is also likely to be offered.
Uber One users will benefit from rewards such as 10 percent in credit towards future rides or Uber Eats orders. There’s no word yet on if or when this feature might come to India. Such a feature could help the app diversify its offerings and attract new users, finding new revenue streams in a market it considers tough where it recently lost considerable market share to newer entrant Rapido.
