SpotHero, a parking startup that lets drivers reserve nearby parking spaces, announced on Tuesday that it has teamed up with Google to integrate its offering into Google Maps and Google Search, allowing users in the U.S. and Canada to reserve parking spots at over 8,000 locations.
With the latest feature, users can find parking close to their destination and reserve it by selecting the “Book Online” button from within both apps. Clicking will direct them to the SpotHero website to finalize their booking without leaving Maps or Search. Users also have the ability to reserve their parking space in advance. Additionally, there are options to help find a location that provides EV charging, wheelchair accessibility, and valet services.
Google’s partnership with SpotHero marks a significant development as Google doesn’t offer its own parking reservation tool. It’s not the first parking integration, though. Google Maps has previously collaborated with ParkMobile to enable users to pay for parking within the app.
The integration is a major achievement for SpotHero, given the massive user base of Maps and Search, which are utilized by billions of people worldwide. SpotHero receives a 35% share from each reservation, as stated on its website.
SpotHero claims to serve over 10 million drivers across North America and states that it’s nearing $1.5 billion in parking reservations sold. Last year, the company partnered with Apple Maps to provide its parking solution to iPhone and Mac users.
Google is slowly but surely adding more functionality to keep people in its apps. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Google Maps adding details about a destination directly within the app as drivers get closer to it and guide them to available parking spaces either inside the building or in its vicinity.
