Mobile exchange for parking spaces

SpotScout claims to be the world’s first mobile exchange marketplace for parking spots, connecting parking spaces with drivers that are desperately seeking them. Urban planners estimate that as much as 80 percent of traffic on some city streets comes from motorists aimlessly circling blocks in search of a place to park. Which is why a number of cities have launched online parking reservation services in recent years, making information available about available spots in parking lots and public garages. SpotScout takes it one step further, by not only offering real-time availability information to spot-seekers, but also allowing private, home parking space owners to make their spot available to other motorists. These ‘SpotCasters’ set their asking price and the time they wish to make their space(s) available, and can instantly place the information on SpotScout’s network for others to see. Both reservations and payment take place online or via web-enabled mobile phones. Those of you who have read trendwatching.com’s latest trend briefing will immediately recognize that SpotScout cleverly caters to infolust – consumers’ insatiable desire for relevant information, wherever and whenever. SpotCasting could also be a nice side-business for minipreneurs, who can monetize sleeping assets by not only offering their own space, but coordinating availability of other private parking spaces on their block. With the owners’ permission, of course. SpotScout will launch in Boston and New York any day now. So if you’d like to jump in this space on a larger scale, send a message to bizdev@SpotScout.com and start up a partnership in a parking-starved city near you.