A new app for iPhone hopes to make it easier for motorists to find vacant parking spaces in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Parking – Powered by ParkMe, provides real-time parking information for the city’s 28 lots, 12 structures, and 5,967 on-street metered parking spaces.
iPhone users can download the app for free via the Apple App Store by using the search string “Santa Monica Parking.”
An Android version will be available in the coming months.
Users can customize their parking options based on price, total time required for parking, and distance.
These options can be changed at any time.
The City has provided parking availability for lots and structures for several years.
However, the added ability to show real-time availability of on-street metered spaces is an added bonus for those looking for parking.
The technology works by leveraging existing infrastructure already in use by the City’s recently deployed smart parking meters.
“We have a lot of parking available in Santa Monica and this app makes it easier than ever to find parking,” said Don Patterson, Assistant Finance Director. “During the holiday season we know that time gets tight for people and parking can get tight in Santa Monica as well. Our hope is that people will use the app to find parking in a tech-friendly and time-efficient way so that they have more time to do their shopping and celebrate the holidays.”
Chief Information Officer Jory Wolf said Santa Monica Parking is the latest city service geared towards mobile users.
“We’re always interested in finding new ways to use technology to provide the public with the information and services they need,” Wolf said.
The City reminds users to drive safely and not use the app while operating a motor vehicle.
The City’s parking programs actively utilize technology and data to improve parking management tools and enhance customer service.
The new Santa Monica Parking app, coupled with other ongoing efforts, demonstrates how the City is continually working to improve the access and availability of public parking.
