As one of the world’s most comprehensive parking databases, ParkMe has live data for on-street and off-street parking for over 18,000 parking facilities in North America and continues to expand in more cities.  ParkMe provides drivers with instant access to information about the closest, cheapest parking available, including parking rates, hours of operation, payment types, real-time occupancy information, the locations of lot and garage entrances and beyond.  ParkMe also provides on-street metered parking availability information in some major US cities.

Today, Audi and INRIX have launched ParkMe’s parking database instantly to 100,000 vehicle owners in North America via Audi Connect.  ParkMe offers real-time parking information with insights from hundreds of public and private sources to the users of its app, online service and now Audi drivers.  INRIX will be demonstrating this new parking feature in Audi cars at Telematics Detroit 2013 where ParkMe will also be an exhibitor.  For more information on Telematics Detroit, the world’s largest conference and exhibition for the entire telematics ecosystem, please visit www.telematicsupdate.com/detroit/.

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Highlights World’s Largest Live Parking Database, Parking Operator Relationships and 

Booth #67

DETROIT, MICH. – 2013 TELEMATICS DETROIT – JUNE 4, 2013 – ParkMe, the leading provider of real-time parking information to navigation companies and users of the ParkMe app and website, showcases its parking innovation during the 2013 Telematics Detroit conference and exhibition. The Company is experiencing significant momentum with the rapid expansion of its live parking database, parking operator network and in-car navigation partnerships.

“2013 is shaping up to be a remarkable year of growth, further solidifying ParkMe as the category leader of live parking data,” said Sam Friedman, CEO and co-founder. “It’s rewarding to continue to broaden our relationships with top automakers, device manufacturers, parking operators, local Departments of Transportation and others to bring new innovation to parking and simplify parking for drivers.”

ParkMe has built the world’s most comprehensive parking database with live data for both on-street and off-street parking and is expanding into more cities. Recently announced partnerships include Amano McGann, a company with the largest off-street parking footprint in the industry, and CASE Parking in San Diego. These new collaborations will allow ParkMe to deliver more accurate, real-time occupancy counts and guide more motorists to more available parking spaces.

To provide a heightened level of integration of its parking data, ParkMe has also teamed up with some of the world’s leading in-car entertainment and navigation consumer electronics companies. Additionally, ParkMe continues to expand its network of exclusive partnerships with the largest parking operators across the country. Such operator relationships give ParkMe the ability to connect transient drivers with accurate, up-to-the-minute parking data streamed to mobile phones, in-car navigation systems, GPS devices and operator websites.

“Our goal is to arm every driver with real-time information to transform parking into a painless, seamless and pleasant experience,” said Alex Israel, COO and Co-Founder. “Reflecting back on 2013, we’ve achieved major milestones in bringing new innovation to the parking industry. At Telematics, we’ll showcase how embedding ParkMe’s live parking information into in-car navigation systems can offer a safer and even more connected experience for drivers.”

The ParkMe app, which has recently jumped into the Top 10 of free navigation apps in the iTunes App Store and has now launched on Android, provides drivers with live parking information in hundreds of cities across North America and Europe. Users are able to find the perfect parking spot in more than 28,000 locations around the globe – in 1,800+ cities, 32 countries and seven continents.

ParkMe will be an exhibitor at Telematics Detroit, located at Booth #67, and the company is among the nominees for a Telematics honor for “Best Telematics Content Aggregator Award.” For more information on Telematics Detroit, the world’s largest conference and exhibition for the entire telematics ecosystem, please visit www.telematicsupdate.com/detroit/.

For city stats, like data on Detroit parking or Los Angeles parking, check out ParkMe.

About ParkMe

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., ParkMe is the leading provider of real-time parking information to navigation companies and consumers. Consumers can access ParkMe via GPS and in-car navigation systems, ParkMe.com, online widgets, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android apps. Founded by Sam Friedman and Alex Israel, ParkMe’s mission is to make parking easier, faster and cheaper. The company collects and aggregates data about both on-street and off-street parking and has built the world’s most comprehensive parking database. This includes more than 28,000 worldwide locations in more than 1,800 cities, 32 countries and seven continents. ParkMe can be found on the Web at ParkMe.com, on Twitter @TheParkMeApp, and on Facebook Facebook.com/TheParkMeApp.

ParkMe is backed by a highly respected group of investors, including Fontinalis Partners, IDG Ventures and Angeleno Group. Fontinalis Partners is a leading transportation technology strategic investment firm founded by Bill Ford, Ralph Booth, Mark Schulz, Chris Cheever, and Chris Thomas. IDG Ventures is a global network of venture capital funds with approximately $5 billion under management and a portfolio of over 220 companies built over the last 15 years.

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The E3 Conference runs from June 11-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Though there is plenty of parking around the convention center, the conference is only open to professionals from the industry meaning many people won’t be familiar with the area. This will serve as your guide to finding the best, cheapest parking with a few helpful tips for those who have never been to the Convention Center.

Want to know what recommendations E3 has for attendees who will be parking? Check this out on their official site:

Where Should I Park When I Arrive At The LACC?

The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) has 5500 parking spaces with easy public access. The parking fee is $15 during move-in and $20 on show days (subject to change), and does not include in and out privileges. In addition to the LACC parking, there are multiple lots available nearby, including at L.A. Live adjacent to the LACC.

$15 is the minimum to park at the convention center for the conference, but that’s not even for a show day. Luckily, you have ParkMe and this valuable parking guide on your side.

The cheapest lot you will be able to find is the lot at 1200 W Olympic Blvd. If you’ll be getting to the conference early, this is your best option. If you get in before 9am, you’ll only pay $5 the whole day and can enjoy E3 and areas near the convention center as long as you want. Special event rates very so make sure you read all signs before parking.

This is the cheapest lot in the area located at 1200 W. Olympic Blvd.

Get the most out of your parking: I like to park where I don’t have to walk in a zig-zag across locations. If you park at one of Joe’s Auto Parks, you can easily travel from the Convention Center to Nokia Live and finish off your walk with some delicious treats at The Original Pantry Cafe, a favorite of mine.

But, if after the end of the day, you can’t muster any more walking — I know how tough it is at these trade events – the Convention Center Garage is just right there. After all, your main worry at the E3 Conference should be about the Xbox Ones and PS4s in booth.

The post E3 Parking Guide – Our Parking Tips For Gamers appeared first on ParkMe Blog.

The new (and free) ParkMe Android app is an exciting addition to the services we already offer. This is a momentous time for the company, as we are on the precipice of exciting announcements that will change the way we look at navigation. An Android app means we’re able to free more drivers of the headaches in looking for parking.

ParkMe users are able to find the perfect parking spot in more than 28,000 locations around the globe, 1,800 cities, 32 countries and seven continents. The addition of our Android app allows us to help more drivers reach their destinations without the hassle of having to look for parking. By giving users access to real-time information, we are able to cut down on the time drivers take in finding parking destinations.

Our tech team has worked tremendously hard in building out, not just the Android app, but also making improvements in the web map and iOS app. Our success is measured by the support of the drivers using our app. So, of course, we wouldn’t be able to do this without the community of users who have supported us throughout this process. Thank you and keep on parking.

The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

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With the largest off-street parking footprint in the industry, Amano McGann will provide ParkMe with real-time occupancy data from thousands of Amano parking installations nationwide. Amano McGann will reach millions of users who are accessing ParkMe data through ParkMe’s award-winning iOS mobile app, widget, website and its partnerships with GPS and in-car navigation systems. The data will allow drivers to find the best place to park based on location via a live map of available parking, which includes rates, hours of operation, and payment types, in addition to real-time occupancy information.

“Parking is one of the most stressful and wallet-draining experiences for any urban driver and our goal is simply to make parking as painless as possible,” said Alex Israel, COO and Co-Founder. “Integrating ParkMe with Amano McGann, which has the industry’s largest off-street parking footprint, further cements our leadership in delivering real-time parking information to even more consumers so they can easily find the closest and most economical parking available.”

“Amano McGann is committed to raising the bar in parking automation, and teaming with ParkMe will further extend our mobile innovation to reach even more users,” said Larry Feuer, President and CEO of Amano McGann. “As the mobile app leader in delivering real-time parking data, ParkMe is highly complementary for the Amano McGann portfolio. The integration of our live-parking databases enables us to improve the parking experience through real-time occupancy information.”

ParkMe allows drivers to find the best place to park based on location by providing a live map of available parking which includes parking rates, hours of operation, payment types, and real-time occupancy information for on-street meters and off-street parking lots and garages. The app, which has recently jumped into the top 10 of free navigation apps in the iTunes App Store, provides drivers with live parking information in hundreds of cities across North America and Europe. Users are able to find the perfect parking spot in more than 28,000 locations around the globe, 1,800 cities, 32 countries and seven continents. Download the free ParkMe iOS app by visiting the iTunes App Store.

For more information on the ParkMe and Amano McGann partnership, please visit ParkMe in booth #101 or Amano McGann in booth #325 at the 2013 IPI Conference & Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from May 19-22, 2013. Moreover, to find parking at the conference check out ParkMe’s Ft. Lauderdale city guide.

About Amano McGann Amano McGann is the leader in parking automation and revenue control with a level of experience and service unmatched in the industry. Quality hardware and feature-rich software solutions have led to over 5,000 installations nationwide. Amano McGann has an extensive network of branch offices and distribution partners offering sales, installation, service and technical support. Amano McGann is a subsidiary of Amano Corporation, a worldwide organization with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. Additional information about Amano McGann can be obtained from the company’s website at www.amanomcgann.com

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Photo Courtesy of StreetsBlog

There’s perhaps no bigger name in parking than Donald Shoup. He is a Professor of Urban Planning at UCLA, and is affectionately known by his fans as “The Parking Guru.” His monumental book, The High Cost of Free Parking, came out in 2005 and is often cited in parking studies around the world.

Professor Shoup was kind enough to sit down with us dispense his thoughts of everything in and around his parking-centric world.

What is your name, title, and field of expertise at UCLA?

Donald Shoup. Professor of Urban Planning at UCLA. Much of my academic research has been on the economics of urban land markets and local public finance.  My particular focus has been on parking markets and parking policies.

What was it like growing up in Hawaii? I’m sure the parking problems were minimal there.

My father was in the Navy, and we lived in Honolulu in the early 1940s because his ship was stationed at Pearl Harbor. My earliest memory was the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, so my life has been comparatively calm ever since.

How did you get involved in urban planning?

When I was a PhD student in economics, I was especially interested in the economics of the urban land market. I wrote my dissertation on land economics, and that led to an interest in urban planning.

Why do you think European cities are so much more concerned with parking policies / efficient management than the US?

American cities use minimum parking requirements to put a floor under the parking supply, and then cap development density to limit vehicle trips. European cities, in contrast, often cap the number of parking spaces to avoid road congestion, and combine this strategy with a floor on allowed development density to encourage walking, cycling, and public transport.

That is, Americans require parking and limit density, while Europeans require density and limit parking.  The American policy looks exceptionally foolish when combined with complaints about traffic congestion and calls for smart growth.

What is your opinion of SFpark after more than a year in effect?

San Francisco has embarked on the nation’s most ambitious program, called SFpark, to get the price of curb parking right. The city adjusts parking prices in response to the occupancy rates about once every six weeks. This trial-and-error process results in a structure of prices that vary by time and location throughout the city, with the goal of producing an occupancy rate of between 60 and 80 percent on every block at all times.

SFpark makes parking in San Francisco more efficient and fair. Some opposition to performance parking prices is due to unfamiliarity, and only experience will change minds. It’s not yet the killer app for transportation that it may become, but if San Francisco succeeds in setting the right prices to achieve the right occupancy for its curb parking, almost everyone in the city can benefit in one way or another.

If San Francisco’s pilot program succeeds in reaching its goals, other cities will eventually adopt their own varieties of performance parking prices for curb parking. Getting the prices right can do a world of good.

What brought you to Los Angeles? What are the things you love most about living here?

Architectural historian Colin Rowe gave a succinct definition of the ideal city: “Out the front door, London; out the back door, Los Angeles.”  We can turn this definition around to get the opposite of the ideal city:  Out the front door, Los Angeles; out the back door, London.  And what detracts from going out the front door—onto the street—in Los Angeles and many other American cities?  Minimum parking requirements are part of the problem.

Despite all the criticisms, Los Angeles is a great city, and I would not want to live anywhere else. I especially love the climate. Being able to walk outdoors without ever thinking about it may not seem important, but it is a huge amenity.

Where do you think technology fits in with parking? What type of parking tech impresses you the most? Real-time? Sensors? Mobile apps?

The central idea of SFpark is that you cannot set the right price for curb parking without observing the occupancy, but setting an occupancy goal is easier than achieving it. How can a city adjust parking prices to yield one or two open curb spaces on every block? Fortunately, the technology used to charge for parking and measure occupancy has advanced rapidly in recent years. This new technology enables cities not only to set different prices at different times of day but also to measure the resulting occupancy of curb spaces.

Occupancy sensors are one promising new technology. These sensors are about the size of a hockey puck and are placed in every curb space, either on the surface of the street or a few inches beneath it. They sense changes in the earth’s magnetic field when a ton of metal is parked above and send this information to a central database. San Francisco will use the data from sensors to adjust parking prices once a month to reach the occupancy goal.

Once drivers have become accustomed to performance prices and see that prices can decline as well as increase, they may come to value the ready availability of curb parking. What seemed unthinkable in the past may become indispensable in the future

You’ve gained quite a reputation around the country as the “Parking Guru.” How do you feel about the Shoupista movement and being known around the world for your studies?

It’s about time! I’ve worked on these ideas for 35 years, and people are finally paying attention. The Shoupista movement is not about me, however; it is about the new ways to reform parking policies.

You’re an avid cyclist. Where’s your favorite place to bike in Los Angeles?

The 22-mile beach bike path from Torrance to Pacific Palisades.

Great answer! Any additional thoughts you wish to share on parking?

All parking is political, and the prospects for parking reform depend on what the political context allows. Diverse interests from across the political spectrum can for different reasons support a policy shift from minimum parking requirements to performance parking prices.

Liberals, conservatives, environmentalists, business leaders, new urbanists, libertarians, developers, neighborhood activists, and local elected officials all want to park free. They may not have an ideological or professional interest in free parking, but they do have a personal interest in it. This personal interest in free parking helps explain the popularity of minimum parking requirements.

If cities continue to offer free curb parking and require ample off-street parking, it won’t be because performance prices don’t work but because planners and politicians choose not to change course. There is a way, but we need the will. We can make great gifts to the future by reforming our misguided planning for free parking. In both sprawling rich cities and crowded poor cities, charging performance prices for curb parking, spending the revenue on local public services, and removing off-street parking requirements can do a world of good.

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