Uber adds parking reservations in 15 U.S. cities

The launch initially targets commuters driving their own cars. Users can enter a destination and parking time, compare options on an interactive map, and filter for self-parking, valet, garages or surface lots. Prices are shown upfront. After entering vehicle details, customers can book using a payment method in their Uber wallet. At the lot, they can scan a QR code or enter through license plate recognition. Bookings can be canceled free of charge until their start time.

The service is launching in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC. Uber said its SpotHero acquisition gives it access to 13,000 garages, lots and valet services in more than 400 cities.

Uber also sees potential uses beyond personal parking. The company said those locations could serve as staging and waiting areas for autonomous vehicles, helping reduce congestion and “deadheading”—miles traveled without a paying passenger or cargo. Uber has partnered with dozens of autonomous vehicle companies.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said earlier this month that commuting is one of Uber’s largest categories. On the company’s third-quarter earnings call, he described combining rides to work, a pass to avoid surge pricing and parking for customers who choose to drive. The parking launch adds to Uber’s range of app services, which includes rides, food and grocery orders, package delivery, car rentals, hotel bookings, public transit and robotaxis.

Uber One, the company’s membership program, had more than 55 million members as of September 30. Members can earn 10% back in credits on eligible parking reservations and use those credits for rides or Uber Eats orders.