Whether you live in the centre of London or the quieter surrounding suburbs, finding parking can be a challenge. While it’s undoubtedly more difficult in big, bustling cities, anywhere that gets even remotely busy can make it tough to find a spot.
And there’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to park when you have somewhere to be – and even when you don’t!
The Evolution of Parking Tech
The early 20th century saw a surge in car ownership in the Western world, fueling a growing need to find solutions to limited and disorganised parking areas.
In 1935, the first parking meter was introduced to the world in Oklahoma City with the intention of regulting space usage while generating revenue. Over the coming decades, these simplistic, manua systems expanded to include structured operations – things like rudimentary ticketing methods and multi-storey car parks.
The end of the 20th century saw a significant technological leap. With things like computerised systems, ticket dispensers and barrier systems being introduced to streamline operations and reduce human error, an entire industry was created. Later, credit card payments were integrated into these systems, further improving user convenience and setting the stage for a new era of “smart parking”.
The 21st century was filled with parking apps and tech fueled by real-time data, GPS tech, IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, electric vehicle tech and more. And now, along with this technology, we’ve entered the era of smart parking.
Top Parking Startups and Apps
Here are some startups that are working on parking management, providing solutions by means of technology and applications to help take the sting out of parking.
1. Cleverciti
Cleverciti, founded in 2012, is the developer of smart parking technologies that are designed with the intention of optimising parking spaces. The technology used is able to identify the position of a parked car or any available parking space. From there, it streamlines parking by guiding drivers to the most convenient spaces based on where they are.
This helps organisations reduce traffic, congestion and vehicle emissions, increasing revenue while simultaneously allowing drivers to enjoy a smooth, stress-free parking experience.
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2. REEF
REEF is a US-based property management company that serves customers in restaurants, logistics and delivery services.
Specialising in managing parking real estate, delivery kitchens and other real estate properties. This allows clients to create jobs and bring new goods, services and experiences to the neighbourhood.
3. Arrive
Arrive is the developer of an online booking platform specifically designed for parking services. It allows customers to make reservations for parking spots and enjoy drive-up access in garages across a variety of venues, events and more. Essentially, it allows businesses to offer transactional parking as a value-added service.
4. Get My Parking
Get My Parking is the developer of a smart parking platform that helps people receive real-time parking updates. The platform provides all types of parking information, allowing users to search, book and navigate relevant parking areas. This prevents time wasting and unnecessary congestion caused by drivers loitering in areas where there’s already no parking available.
5. T2 Systems
Founded way back in 1994, T2 Systems is the developer of an integrated suite of parking software and hardware systems that serve universities, parking operators, municipalities, healthcare facilities and transportation hubs.
The open platform is centralised, offering the whole parking and ecosystem, mobile payments, curbside management and transportation demand management. This allows customers to get a central source to seamlessly manage mobility and transportation services.
6. ParkSmart
ParkSmart, founded in 2019, is the developer of a parking management platform that’s designed to create smart parking ecosystem that’ll grow as the client base expands. The platform utilises algorithms that collect data and manage parking lots remotely.
It does so by means of auditing tools and revenue analysis to enable vehicles to find parking sports easily. It provides real-time information to digitise any unorganised parking spaces.