A person holds a smartphone showing the Uber app’s loading screen.
Uber launched parking reservations in 15 US cities, using the network of SpotHero, which it agreed to buy in February. The feature targets commuters, but Uber says parking spots near riders could also cut costs for robotaxi fleets on its platform.
Uber now lets people reserve parking spots in its app, its first parking product since it agreed to buy SpotHero in February, the company said on Monday, Bloomberg reported . The feature launches in 15 US cities, including New York, Chicago and San Francisco, with more to follow.
Users tap a “ P ” icon to find garages, lots and valets for a set date and time, then pay through the app. SpotHero gives Uber more than 13,000 parking sites in North America. Uber will keep SpotHero running as a separate app.
Uber One members get 10% back in credits on eligible bookings, to spend on rides and food orders. Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi told analysts last week that parking will help Uber win commuters, according to TechCrunch .
“ Commute is one of our largest categories, ” he said.
Uber says the deal could also help its robotaxi plans. It works with more than a dozen robotaxi and delivery robot makers, managing their dispatch, charging and maintenance.
“ The parking play is all around reducing the cost per mile for the customer, ” said Samarth Kejriwal, Uber’s senior director of autonomous vehicles.
A robotaxi that waits in a car park near busy areas, instead of driving back to a depot, spends less time empty, Kejriwal told Bloomberg. Uber already has parking deals for some partners. SpotHero’s contracts with US parking firms could help it find cheaper rates as robotaxis reach more cities, he said.
Uber has pitched itself as the marketplace robotaxi firms plug into, though Waymo is pulling back in two cities. Its partners include Rivian , Nuro and Wayve, whose cars it began running in London in September . It is also buying beyond ride-hailing, including a $14.8B Delivery Hero takeover .
“ At the end of the day, the rider will care about price and reliability, ” Kejriwal said.
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