Best Boston area parking app?

begranter

Couldn't get into a real school
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Jul 9, 2007
2,344
I don't know for lots, but for stree parking Boston uses the "ParkBoston" app, Somerville uses the "Parkmobile" app, and Cambridge uses the "PassportParking" app. If you're on iOS there's an app called "SPOT" that rents out private spots <http://www.parkeasier.com/>
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
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Thanks

I was hoping to avoid multiple apps but I guess that isn't possible.

Signed,

LoseR who finally got a Smart Phone

Edit: ParkBoston looks best for me, it wants access to:

Identity
Location (duh)
Phone
Photos/Media/Files
Camera
Device ID & Call Information

Is this for realz? Like I said, I'm new to the Smartphone thing. It's ok to do this?
 

Dollar

Member
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May 5, 2006
11,087
I'm not sure if this one is popular in the US yet, but it's the one I use most often in Europe and is pretty amazing. Parkopedia allows you to put in a city name or zip code, and times that you want to park, and it gives you the prices on a nice map.

edit: oh, I guess you're looking for something to reserve a parking spot, not just find possible lots/spaces. The other options are probably better for that.
 
Last edited:

Caspir

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
6,886
Thanks

I was hoping to avoid multiple apps but I guess that isn't possible.

Signed,

LoseR who finally got a Smart Phone

Edit: ParkBoston looks best for me, it wants access to:

Identity
Location (duh)
Phone
Photos/Media/Files
Camera
Device ID & Call Information

Is this for realz? Like I said, I'm new to the Smartphone thing. It's ok to do this?
You don't have to accept all of those permissions, and you are right to be cautious about who you grant access to these things. I typically never grant access to my photos or contacts. Identity/Location/Phone are all basic for an app like that. I believe the camera and gallery are in case you get a broken meter and need to submit a photo, but it's been a while since I've used ParkBoston. Approve the ones you feel are justified, and if it ever comes up you can make an on the spot decision on the others. Again, it's been a while, but I am pretty sure they aren't mandatory permissions.
 

Was (Not Wasdin)

family crest has godzilla
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Jul 26, 2007
3,721
The Short Bus
Any idea what App we are supposed to be using to park in the MBTA commuter rail lots (specifically the Needham lots)? My two sons got their licenses simultaneously about six months ago, and have pretty much driven me to/from the train every day since, and I've lost track of whether or not they switched. Is it Pay By Phone or ParkMobile?
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
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I'm not sure it lets me pick and chose the permissions I accept. I can click and it explains 'em but doesn't give me a choice.

I'm heading to the park shortly and will bring plenty of quarters (12 hour meters, bay-bee!) but next time I'd like to have one of these on hand.
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Any idea what App we are supposed to be using to park in the MBTA commuter rail lots (specifically the Needham lots)? My two sons got their licenses simultaneously about six months ago, and have pretty much driven me to/from the train every day since, and I've lost track of whether or not they switched. Is it Pay By Phone or ParkMobile?
I think it's ParkMobile. There are many signs up at the stations in Needham
 

Was (Not Wasdin)

family crest has godzilla
SoSH Member
Jul 26, 2007
3,721
The Short Bus
That's what I thought as well, but someone told me that they switched back to Pay By Phone after about 2 months, but I cant find anything to confirm.

I called and the woman I talked to said "Pay By Phone", and when I asked her about the switch to ParkMobile, she said "I don't know what you are talking about". So, thanks MBTA.
 

Marceline

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Sep 9, 2002
6,441
Canton, MA
For the lots in Canton it's PayByPhone. There was an article up earlier in the year saying all lots were switching to ParkMobile, but that doesn't seem to be the case as far as I can tell. I've been continuing to use PayByPhone and haven't gotten any tickets. It's impossible to get any real information or find anyone at MBTA who knows what's going on.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,463
how do these apps work? They prevent other cars from parking there? Isn;'t that inefficient for the time before you arrive for the spot to be empty? if I was looking for a spot, found an empty one, and someone had reserved it so I couldn't park in there, I'd be upset.

Confused on this concept. Please help.
 

Marceline

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Sep 9, 2002
6,441
Canton, MA
For the commuter rail lots it's simply to pay for the parking fee. There are no reserved spaces.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
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Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
how do these apps work? They prevent other cars from parking there? Isn;'t that inefficient for the time before you arrive for the spot to be empty? if I was looking for a spot, found an empty one, and someone had reserved it so I couldn't park in there, I'd be upset.

Confused on this concept. Please help.
There's a number on the meter you punch in when you park there and put the estimated time you'll be there. If you don't use all your time, the city basically just makes more money by being able to "double dip" if another car parks there.