Drivers looking for parking in San Francisco can now receive text messages with real-time space availability in 14 city-owned garages.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has incorporated the garage-availability texting service into its SFpark program, a two-year pilot program that aims to provide drivers with real-time parking availability at thousands of metered spaces and in public garages throughout the city.
The texting service was introduced to increase the number of people who can take advantage of SFpark's information, which has been available online and via smartphone apps since April.
"The text message service expands SFpark's parking availability and pricing information to people without smart phones or easy Internet access," Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement.
"It brings this important information to as many people as possible," Lee said.
The SFMTA has also implemented "demand-responsive pricing" in eight--soon to be 14 -- city-owned garages. Garages could have their hourly rates discounted during off-peak hours or when occupancy happens to be low.
SFMTA officials say the variable parking rates will encourage people to drive and park when there is less traffic, easing congestion for drivers and public transportation.
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"These programs will not only provide enhanced convenience and less congestion and pollution associated with one's search for parking, but also allows us to optimize the use of our parking facilities," SFMTA Edward Reiskin said in a statement.
Information regarding which garages are included in the new programs and how to sign up for the texting service can be found online at www.sfpark.org/garages.
