ParkingAroundMe (PAM)

Giving is an essential part of Roadify—without it, the system simply can’t work. So, you need “StreetCARma points” to get parking spots. Every time you give a parking spot, you get a point (and another point when the spot is claimed). Every time you claim a parking spot, you “spend” a point.

We’re giving everyone three points to start. After that, you’ll start earning points by submitting spots. The more you and other Roadifiers give, the better the chances of finding parking, and the more valuable the service will be to the community.

Being a good giver and earning points will have other benefits as well, like increased chances of finding spots, gifts from local businesses and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why would I want to participate in this?
2. How do I get/give parking spots?
3. Do I have to give spots to get spots?
4. What if I need a spot but Roadify tells me there aren't any available?
5. What if the spot I claimed on Roadify isn't available when I get there?
6. What if I spend a point for a spot but don’t get it?
7. Isn't txting, Twittering and the like dangerous to do when you're driving?
8. Why does Roadify want my car's make and model?
9. What does PAM consider "near" when responding with spots "near my location"?
10. Sometimes PAM gives me a list of spots that are not near me. Why?

1. Why would I want to participate in this?
   If you’ve ever circled your neighborhood endlessly looking for a parking spot, missed a bus or subway by seconds, gotten to the airport and discovered wait times your airline didn’t tell you about, and the like, you’ll want to Roadify. With easy access to real-time traveler information—from both other commuters and transit data sources—Roadify will help get you where you need to be, saving you time, gas and money. Less time circling/parking/commuting will also mean less congestion and cleaner air in your neighborhood.
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2. How do I get/give parking spots?
   Instructions here.
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3. Do I have to give spots to get spots?
   Yes. The system only functions if all of us offer up parking spots as much as we request them. So, you need Roadify “points” to get parking spots. Every time you give a parking spot, you get a point (and another point when the spot is claimed). Every time you claim a parking spot, you “spend” a point. Ultimately, points could also get you things like greater access to parking spots, gifts from local businesses, and more. The more points you accumulate, the more you’ll be rewarded.
   
   To help you get going, we’re giving everyone three points to start. After that, everyone will start earning points by submitting spots. The more you and other Roadifiers give, the better the chances of finding parking, and the more valuable the service will be to the community. That, we think, will be the real reward.
   
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4. What if I need a spot but Roadify tells me there aren’t any available?
   This is a possibility, but one that will diminish with greater participation. As you and other users get in the habit of automatically submitting your spot to Roadify every time you’re about to leave it, we’ll create more parking availability.
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5. What if the spot I claimed on Roadify isn’t available when I get there?
   In a high-density neighborhood like Park Slope, it’s possible that the spot you claim through Roadify will have been taken by the time you get to it. As more users start to participate and get in the habit of giving spots as much as they request them, the likelihood of getting what you request should increase. Roadify is as much a social experiment as it is a consumer service. But, even if you have to request a spot a couple of times, there is no question that participating in Roadify can only help and make parking/commuting a lot easier than it’s been to date.
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6. What if I spend a point for a spot but don’t get it?
   That is a possibility—a point is deducted, and the spot is removed from the list, when it’s claimed in the system (not actually taken); this is to ensure that drivers don’t remove more inventory (spots) from the system than is necessary. But remember, all it takes is giving another spot to the system to earn that point back.
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7. Isn’t txting, Twittering and the like dangerous to do when you’re driving?
   Yes! Don’t do it. Never attempt to communicate with Roadify—or use any device that distracts you from the road for that matter—while you’re driving. We want you to find a parking spot, but, more importantly, we don’t want anyone getting hurt. Also, we hope to add the ability to use voice commands in the coming months, which will make communicating with Roadify even easier.
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8. Why does Roadify want my car's make and model?
   Because it will make it easier for someone else to find the parking spot you're leaving (finding "a blue VW Passat leaving 3rd street btw 5th and 6th" is easier than finding "a car leaving 3rd street btw 5th and 6th"").
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9. When will Roadify include more than just parking information?
   Roadify is slated to start simplifying other modes of transportation in early 2010. This could include helping you:  navigate mass transit and airport delays, find the best driving route, get back to your car before your meter expires, arrange ride shares, find good restaurant choices along a route, and more.
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10. What does PAM consider "near" when responding with spots "near my location"?
    PAM considers a spot "near" if it's within 500 meters of you. These spots are listed first (sorted from newest to oldest) when PAM gives you a list of available spots.
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11. Sometimes PAM gives me a list of spots that are not near me. Why?
    This could be because of a number of things.
    1. It's possible that no spots have been GIVEN nearby recently. If this is the case, PAM will just display any spots available in the Park Slope neighborhood (sorted from newest to oldest).
    2. It's also possible that PAM did not interpret your location correctly. Try re-entering your location using less abbreviations (don't forget to double check for spelling errors).
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Giving and getting parking spots is only the beginning. We’ll be rolling out other new features soon, like REMINDERS (eg, to get back to your car before the meter expires), and ALERTS (eg, if there’s a meter maid on a particular street). Stay tuned.