There's a new solution to parking problems in one of Seattle's most tech-savvy and faster-growing neighborhoods. Between the Amazon crowd, construction everywhere you look and the food trucks, parking can be a constant challenge in the heart of South Lake Union.
“Yesterday I was, I spent 20 minutes trying to find parking," said Chowdary Davuluri. Trying to avoid a repeat today, the Amazon employee opted to hand his vehicle over with the click of a button. "All you have to do is download the app," said Shmulik Fishman of Zirx app. Zirx, a valet-type parking app, started in San Francisco. It has chosen Seattle's South Lake Union as its second market. "We're really interested in the tech scenes. We think that these people are first adopters of products," Fishman said.
"You just move the pin [on the map] to the location where you want to drop off your car," said Fishman while showing KIRO 7 how the app works. One click and the nearest agent will head your way, charging a $15 flat fee for the whole day. Service runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shmulik won't say where vehicles are stored, citing security. He said there are surveillance cameras and an agent watching over the parked vehicles.
"And when you want it back there's a button on the bottom that says request return," said Fishman. Zirx agents flagged down drivers and pedestrians to explain the concept. “I think for special nights out it's worth it," said SLU resident David Hudanish. Zirx is expected to expand, covering most of Seattle in the coming month, while keeping the flat rate at $15. The founder of Zirx said they are insured and do extensive background checks on all of their employees.
KIRO
