Uber launched Uber Parking on Monday, a native in-app reservation feature that lets drivers locate, reserve and pay for garage and lot spaces in advance. The tool stems from Uber’s recent acquisition of SpotHero and folds a network of more than 13,000 facilities across over 400 cities into the company’s platform. The feature is aimed at US commuters in 15 initial markets, including Chicago, New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, San Diego and Seattle.
Users reach the feature through a new “Parking” icon in the Uber app, which opens an interactive map showing prices and arrival times upfront. Spots can be filtered by self-park or valet, outdoor lot or garage, and whether staff are on-site. The app asks for vehicle details and a license plate, after which drivers can enter certain lots using a QR code on their phone or through an automatic license plate scan. Plans can be changed by extending time in the app, and reservations can be canceled free of charge right up until the reservation starts.
Beyond the 15 launch markets, Uber intends to extend Uber Parking across SpotHero’s existing 400-city footprint. The company says the tool is meant to secure commuter loyalty by keeping customers inside its own platform ecosystem, whether they are hailing a ride or driving their own car.
The parking push also connects to Uber’s broader bet on robotaxis. Uber is working with more than 30 autonomous vehicle partners across multiple cities. In the long run, the company plans to use the 13,000-plus parking facilities as urban holding areas and waiting zones for driverless robotaxis, not just as storage for commuter cars.
According to Uber, stashing autonomous fleets off the street when demand dips helps keep empty cars from circling city blocks, reducing traffic, emissions and wear on the vehicles. The company framed the parking launch as part of an effort to control the city’s physical roads and parking spaces regardless of whether a traveler is driving, riding in the backseat or letting a computer take the wheel.
The move also signals an implicit concession that Uber’s earlier mission to end personal car ownership and driver’s licenses did not succeed. The company is instead positioning Uber Parking as a way to retain customers across ride-hailing and personal driving alike.
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