The City of Redwood City is testing a new parking app that can help people find parking spots in downtown with their smart phone, starting today.
The app is called “Parker.” It uses sensors embedded in street parking spaces to detect whether a vehicle is parked there or if the spot is available. That data is synced with the app, which shows where spots are available, how many there are, as well as how much it will cost per hour to park there -- in real time.
The company that created the app, Streetline, is collaborating with the City of Redwood City to test the app’s effectiveness, according to Malcolm Smith, public communications manager for the City of Redwood City.
“The pilot program is focused on Broadway between Main and Marshall, and on Jefferson Avenue between Middlefield and Marshall, comprising approximately 100 on-street parking spaces,” Smith said.
“This particular area was chosen for the pilot program because it includes a strong mix of retail, restaurant and office uses, as well as being an increasingly challenging area to park, especially given the increasing Downtown construction, growing economic activity, and more people visiting, working, and enjoying Downtown," he said.
The user interface of the application is fairly intuitive for iPhone users. It is visually similar to Google Maps, incorporating primary colors for spot availability bubbles and a mauve color for the surface of the earth.
Users can touch the spots to find out more information about that location. City leaders are enthusiastic about the approach to solving problems.
"With everything going on Downtown, we want to make it easier for motorists to find spaces," said Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre. "We're trying the Parker app pilot program to see how it might provide better service to our community."
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The City committed to participating in the pilot program for months, according to Smith. When the trial period concludes, the city will discern whether it meets the needs of motorists and eases the psychological pain associated with finding parking spaces.
The app is available for download at http://www.theparkerapp.com. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.
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