Parking app gets thumbs down in from Philly City Council Committee

In Boston and San Francisco, apps such as Haystack and MonkeyParking let drivers sell the on-street parking spaces they’re leaving behind. 

Philadelphia City Council is moving to stop these apps before they gain traction here.

Instead of patiently circling the block hoping for a spot, the apps let you buy one before it’s open. 

Rick Dixon of the Philadelphia Parking Authority says it’s not fair to profit off these spots. 

“Everyone should have the opportunity to take advantage of all the resources that the city has to offer,” Dixon said.” These are public spaces that should be available to the public on an equal basis.”

Andrew Stober of the Mayor’s office of Transportation says the administration is against any such app. 

“As a practical matter they would frustrate the drivers who believe a parking space is becoming available only to be told that the space is reserved,” he said. 

It’s not clear if such apps would exacerbate or help meet Philly’s high demand for on street parking.  Tempers here have flared the most after snowstorms when shoveled spots are at a premum and drivers try to save spaces after digging them out. Parking space confrontations have lead to fights, even even shootings.

The bill making the apps illegal in Philly passed a city council committee and could come to a final vote next week.