Ride-hailing company Lyft now lets users find and reserve parking spots through its app. You can look up parking spaces around you and pay to reserve a spot without leaving the app. It has teamed up with Chicago-based parking company SpotHero for this service.
Lyft Parking, as the company calls the service, lets users reserve a parking spot immediately or in advance. You can look up available parking spaces near you based on your location and get directions within the app. Once you select a spot, you can enter your entry and exit times to get the estimated cost before booking. Lyft lets you make hourly all-day reservations, so you have safe parking options for all your needs. Whether you are out for work, a movie, or a concert, you can reserve a parking spot for the desired period.
To reserve a parking spot through the Lyft app, go to the My Car tab (the steering wheel icon in the bottom right corner) and select the Parking option. You will see all available parking spaces around you. Select a location and enter details, such as your license plate number and entry and exit times, to make a reservation. Once you complete the payment, you’ll get a Parking Pass (QR code) that you can use to verify your parking spot. You will also get in-app directions to your spot and check if valet parking is available.
Lyft says it works closely with parking operators to make the experience smooth for users outside the app too. You will be notified when your exit time approaches. You can either extend your reservation or take your car out.
Lyft Parking is currently available in select locations
Lyft’s official announcement mentions that the service is currently available in select US locations. But a company spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch that it is testing the service in some cities in Canada as well. A wider rollout may follow in the coming months if the pilot program turns out to be successful. The Lyft spokesperson said the company will share more details about its parking service soon.
Lyft didn’t name the US cities where it offers parking services in partnership with SpotHero. But the CBS report confirms availability in Chicago, Denver, New York, and San Francisco. SpotHero independently offers its services in hundreds of US cities and plans to expand Lyft integration to more than 50 cities by the end of this year.
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