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Uber launches parking reservations in its app across 400 US and Canadian cities following SpotHero acquisition
Uber has launched Uber Parking, a new feature allowing users to search for, compare and reserve parking spaces directly through its ride-hailing app, extending the company’s services beyond passenger transport.
The new service follows Uber’s acquisition of SpotHero and incorporates a network of more than 13,000 parking garages, surface lots and valet facilities across 400 cities in the United States and Canada.
The move gives Uber access to a substantial parking reservation network while providing existing app users with another transport-related service through the same platform used to book rides.
Users can access the service by selecting a new Parking icon on the Uber home screen. After entering their destination and required parking dates and times, customers are presented with an interactive map showing available spaces and upfront prices at nearby facilities.
The booking system allows motorists to filter results according to their requirements, including self-parking or valet services, garages or surface parking, and facilities offering on-site staff.
Once a parking location has been selected, customers must provide vehicle information, including the make, model and registration number, before confirming their reservation. Payments are processed through Uber Wallet using the customer’s preferred payment method.
Following confirmation, drivers receive a digital parking pass within the Uber app. Depending on the facility, access is provided through a QR code or automatic number plate recognition technology.
Customers requiring additional parking time can also extend their reservations through the app, removing the need to arrange an extension directly with the parking facility.
Uber has introduced a further incentive for its subscription customers. Uber One members can receive 10% back in Uber One credits on eligible completed parking reservations, with those credits available for future Uber rides and Uber Eats purchases.
Amit Fulay, Uber’s Vice President of Product, announced the launch as part of the company’s efforts to make its platform useful to customers regardless of whether they travel as passengers or drive their own vehicles.
The development represents a further expansion of Uber’s transport platform beyond its traditional ride-hailing operations. Rather than concentrating exclusively on customers booking journeys, Uber Parking also targets motorists who choose to drive themselves.
Uber has not announced whether the parking service will be introduced in the UK or other European markets. The current launch covers the United States and Canada, and no timetable for international expansion has been provided.
