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Uber debuts parking reservation feature after buying SpotHero
SpotHero will remain a separate app while Uber adds the parking feature into its platform
(SpotHero via Facebook)
Key Takeaways:
- Uber introduced parking reservations in its app after buying SpotHero, initially offering the feature in 15 U.S. cities.
- SpotHero gives Uber access to more than 13,000 North American parking sites and could support its growing autonomous-vehicle operations.
- Uber plans to expand parking to more markets while keeping SpotHero’s separate app and offering eligible Uber One members 10% back in credits.
Uber Technologies Inc. introduced a new feature that lets users reserve parking spots, its first move in this arena after buying parking app SpotHero earlier this year.
Uber app users can use the new service — marked with a ‘P’ icon on the home screen — to find garages, lots and valets for a specified date and time, the company said Nov. 9 in a statement. The option will initially be available in 15 U.S. cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and D.C., with more markets to follow later.
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With the SpotHero deal, Uber gained access to a network of more than 13,000 sites in North America. The ride-hailing company plans to maintain SpotHero as a separate app while it adds the parking feature into Uber’s platform, a spokesperson said.
The move is the latest endeavor by Uber to win over consumers with new products beyond its pioneering ridesharing service. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told analysts on an earnings call last week that the parking feature will make Uber more relevant for commuters, who are among its biggest customer segments. The company has launched several offerings for this cohort since 2025, including a cheaper pooled rides option and a monthly price-lock pass to cap fares for distinct routes to avoid surprise price increases during busy times.
For members of the paid Uber One program who complete an eligible parking reservation, Uber is also offering 10% back in credits that can be redeemed for future rides and delivery orders.
Introducing Uber Parking, powered by @SpotHero: find, reserve, and pay for a spot in select cities, right in the Uber app 🚗 https://t.co/FJQrcCfUWV
— Uber (@Uber) November 9, 2026
Acquiring SpotHero could also help Uber’s autonomous-vehicle strategy, the company said in the statement. It is working with more than a dozen robotaxi and delivery robot makers, helping manage their fleet’s order dispatch, charging and maintenance schedules and keep them busy on the road.
“The parking play is all around reducing the cost per mile for the customer,” said Samarth Kejriwal, senior director of autonomous vehicles. Having a robotaxi go to a parking pit stop that’s closer to where customer demand is — instead of returning to a maintenance and charging depot — helps Uber maximize efficiency, he explained.
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While the company has had parking arrangements for some existing AV partnerships, gaining an understanding of SpotHero’s commercial contracts with U.S. parking providers means Uber could find cheaper rates before launching robotaxis in more markets, Kejriwal added.
“At the end of the day, the rider will care about price and reliability,” he said.
Uber Freight ranks No. 16 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.
