Now Compare Downtown Chicago Parking Rates
Some of you may have noticed we have quietly added some new features to Livado ParkingAnyTime in the last two weeks. Internally, we call the latest update Livado ParkingAnyTime 2.0 and we’re launching the beta just in time to find the best parking near some of Chicago’s biggest summer events and concerts like:
- The Taste of Chicago
- Independence Day Chicago Fireworks on July 3rd
- Navy Pier Fireworks (most Wednesdays & Saturdays - see schedule)
- Lollapalooza in Grant Park (August 1-3, 2008)
User feedback and our passion to improve Chicago parking drove the major update. Since we started work on the Chicago ParkingAnyTime project in March 2007, and launched version 1.0 of Livado ParkingAnyTime last September, we have been devoted to creating the very best web site for parking information. Now with thousands of Chicago parking locations, there is nothing else like it for Chicago parking!
In initial development, we thought street parking information would be the biggest draw to ParkingAnyTime, so we defaulted search results to on street parking and focused on acquiring parking information in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Analytics data shows most searches are for parking downtown Chicago and downtown Chicago parking is dominated by off-street parking garages. Consequently, we changed gears and this release’s biggest improvements focus on off-street garage parking with an emphasis on completeness in the Loop, River North, and around the Magnificent Mile.
Parking garage results were an afterthought in the original design, so results only included location and operating hours. With the focus on street parking, we developed the original interface without any regard to time, an important variable for garage parking. The design still works well for street parking because parking is free or near free, but for destinations where garages are really the only parking option, price drives decisions. Searches now require a planned stay.
Drive + Park or Metra + CTA or Stay near Home: Decision Making with ParkingAnyTime
With gas prices skyrocketing, a suburban mom going shopping on State Street with her girlfriends has had to start comparing the cost and convenience of driving and parking to the cost and convenience of taking Metra and riding the CTA. When gas was cheaper, decisions were easier and for many driving was the obvious choice. Parking convenience and price are playing a larger role now and are likely the two largest determinants that swing a decision toward or away from driving downtown, especially if a mall like Woodfield, with free parking, is just a short drive away. Only with ParkingAnyTime you are empowered with all information you need to make her drive vs public transit decisions quickly and easily. ParkingAnyTime will locate garages near your work, near your apartment, or near shopping and even that restaurant your girlfriend hinted last week she’d like you to take her. Then for each search we evaluate, based on the time you plan to park, how much each garage will cost you. We don’t make you click on ten garages, look at rate charts and then make you compare the specials to find the best rate. We do it all for you, in seconds, and only for garages within a short convenient 7 minute walking distance or less. For most garages, every Early Bird Special, Weekend Special and Afternoon Discount is factored in so you can narrow in on your best options.
We think you will appreciate how much the latest improvements will save you money on parking and time planning your favorite summer day trips to downtown and along the lakefront. Now with ParkingAnyTime you have the tools to get there smarter. Start comparing parking options and rates all over Chicago including near the hot summer destinations: