Parking Locator Apps and How They Can Solve Your Holiday Parking Woes

Besides the heavy traffic on the road, motorists also struggle with finding parking spaces especially now that the holidays are near. In countries such as the United States, parking locator apps are all the rage. Now local app developers have also released parking locator apps for Filipinos such as Park Ninja, Dibz Parking, and Fetch—all of which are available for download in mobile phones. These applications ease stress and decrease time and gas consumed by drivers when looking for a parking space.

The apps can be downloaded for both Android and iPhone users. After downloading, users will have to make an account on the application and fill in their information. The process of booking and renting is not that difficult and can be followed thoroughly as instructions are provided in the respective websites of the applications.

To find a spot via Dibz and Park Ninja, first the driver has to indicate his/her destination and his/her estimated time of arrival and departure and then select a parking space in the area. Besides the proximity to the destination, the driver can also see the price rates and operating hours of available parking lots so he/she can choose whichever is most convenient.

After choosing a parking space, the driver will have the option to reserve the spot and it will be available once they get to the venue. An electronic ticket will be issued to the driver afterwards as proof of reservation. If the driver is unfamiliar with the place they’re heading to, the app can guide them to the venue via a navigating feature with the in-app map or through Waze.

Dibz also features an option for those who have spare parking spaces to make their lot available for rent. The app also lets the users opt for a valet that can park their car for them.

Meanwhile, Fetch is solely a valet parking service. Currently, the app is only available in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati City. Certain areas around these cities serve as pick-up points where the driver can meet up with the valet.

Fetch’s trained valets have professional driver’s licenses and police clearances, have gone under character reference checks, and passed medical tests. The valets are also tracked via a Global Positioning System (GPS) to make sure that they get to the assigned parking lots and meeting points. The full profile and photo of the valet assigned to park will be sent to the users for additional security.

After the car is parked, the user will be notified and a photo will be sent showing where the car is parked. Afterwards, the driver can request for their car when they’re ready to go. Fetch also grants insurance to its users when something happens to their car.

For payment, the apps have varying payment methods.

For Dibz, drivers have to purchase credits to pay for parking fees. Each credit is equivalent to PhP1.00. The reservation will be charged after the garage rate is shown on the app garage info page. Additionally, a convenience fee of at least 15.00 credits and not exceeding 50.00 credits will be charged for the reservation and for holding the space before the driver arrives. Other detailed information about the hourly fees can be found in the Dibz’s website under the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section.

For Park Ninja, drivers can pay for their reservation via credit card. They will also be given options on how to pay for the reservation. The drivers will be charged as they exit the parking lot, but the price on the e-ticket is not final, as the excess time during the reservation will be charged as well.

For Fetch, the regular rate is fixed at PhP95.00 with additional PhP15.00 per hour. For instance, if the driver stayed for two hours, it would be PhP125. Prepaid packages are also available for those who work in an area and park regularly there. 20 parks cost about PhP3,600; 10 parks cost PhP1,950; and five parks cost PhP995. The packages are valid for up to two months. Payments can be made via any Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. Cash payments are also accepted.

Aside from these parking locator apps for Filipinos, an alternative way to look for parking spaces can be through a website like ParkMe. Like the apps, the website also enables users to find the cheapest and closest parking to the destination, then the parking spot will be reserved after the user pays via credit card.

Since one of the most flocked establishments where drivers find a hard time to park are malls, SM Supermalls also launched its own parking app back in 2015. It is currently available for both Android and iPhone users.

Just like transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), parking locator apps also apply promo codes that can save the users a few bucks.