Parking App Now Extends To Studio City

Burbank - City Councilman Paul Krekorian announced today that a new phone application allows users in a congested area of Studio City to find open parking spaces in real time.

The new generation of the "Parker" app, which works on iPhones and Android-powered phones, "can save time and money while reducing pollution and traffic congestion," Krekorian said.

"We have worked hard to integrate innovative new ideas and technologies to make government more effective and cost-efficient," he said.

Users will be alerted to open parking spaces out of 200 in a city parking lot on Ventura Boulevard between Laurel Canyon Road and Whitsett Avenue, one of the busiest stretches in the San Fernando Valley, Krekorian said.

The information on open parking is generated using a network of low-power wireless sensors in each parking space.

The first generation of the app was launched in Hollywood last December.

The app is "the first fully integrated smart parking platform," said Zia Yusuf, president and chief executive officer of Streetline, the company that developed Parker.

"We're pleased to reach millions of additional consumers with enhanced guidance, integrated payments, consumer feedback and a host of new capabilities," Yusuf said.

The app is currently free. If Streetline begins charging for the app, the city would receive a 20 percent share of the revenue, Krekorian said.