Finding Parking Spaces Using Real-Time Mobile Network Technology

SpotScout provides a virtual market for parking information to aid individuals and communities in solving their parking problems. According to SpotScout, "as much as 40-50% of a city's traffic can be caused by people looking for parking...a wasteful, costly, and needless act." The mobile social network will enable people who own, lease, or plan to leave a parking space("SpotCasters") to connect with people who are looking for space ("SpotScouts") before arriving at their destinations. The parking spaces can be in a parking garage, in a driveway or other private space, or a space on a street.

The term "SpotScout" refers to the act of "scouting" for reliable information on the availability of parking in high-demand areas. The term "SpotCast" is a combination of the words "spot" and "broadcast." SpotCasting a space informs others that a particular parking space will be available at a particular time. The SpotScout searches the spotcasts to determine parking availability. Any web-enabled cell phone, blackberry, PDA, or computer can access the information. When a parking space has been used, the SpotScout and SpotCaster rate each other as quickly as possible. This ensures the parking space has been used successfully, and that each party is happy with the outcome. A small transaction fee is paid to SpotScout. Primary test markets will include Boston, New York, and San Francisco.

Thanks to Laura Stearns