A Miami-based startup that bills itself as the “Airbnb of parking” is gearing up to expand its service to the region.
Prked, an online marketplace where individuals, businesses and other establishments can rent out their unused, privately owned parking spaces, is now available in Cincinnati, and officials are planning to make a bigger marketing push about the service in November.
The company said Cincinnati has “some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation” due to its high population density and universities in surrounding areas. That, mixed with the fact the majority of parking spaces in the area are privately owned, makes Prked the “perfect solution to ease congestion and make commutes more enjoyable,” it said.
It may seem like an odd time to expand the business – Covid-19 has severely curbed demand for parking, as more people work from home and with restrictions on events like sports, concerts and conventions. But Dylan Fay, Prked’s founder and CEO, said, it’s a good time to ramp up in preparation for the pandemic’s end.
Prked officially launched in February and is available across the U.S. Right now, it's prominent in the Miami area.
“When the pandemic first started, it hurt our growth. We then decide to use this time to market to hosts and get as many listings as possible, so that when things clear up, we will have viable options for our users,” Fay told me.
The economic impact of Covid-19 has meant more people are looking for ways to earn extra income and what “easier way than rent out your driveway,” Fay said.
Prked allows hosts to earn extra income or revenue, while its app allows users find spaces in a “more convenient, cheaper and eco-friendly way.” Prked said it increases the availability of parking while reducing the time drivers spend looking for a space.
Hosts set their own rates and availability; Prked does provide rate suggestions based on competitors in the area. Via the Prked app, users can browse a map for parking and book and pay for their spot. The contactless booking and payment system allows drivers to bypass parking meters, ticketing machines and parking attendants, the company said.
Prked plans on expanding to other cities by the end of the year, including New York City, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Baltimore and Ann Arbor, Mich. Prked is only available through the Apple app store.
