Pango Mobile Parking debuts in NYC with first "smart garage"

Pango Logo

Ever have to find a parking spot in a crowded city?  If your answer is yes, then you know just how much of a hassle this can be.  Fortunately, mobile parking service Pango is trying to help out with this problem.  This company started their mobile application in Israel in 2007, but have since been motivated to try and expand to the United States.  Their first so-called "smart garage" is located in New York City (it can be found at 77th and Lexington).

So far...
This mobile application can be installed for free on iOS, Android, or Blackberry. Users create an account and provide some information on their car (license plate primarily) and also upload payment information to the app.  This allows for proper tracking by garage attendants, etc. and also simplifies parking payments.

Ideally, users will be able to search for the different Pango-sponsored locations that they can park at (valet and non-valet).  However, the only option in NYC right now is one that offers users to summon valet with a button on the app upon arrival.  When you want to return to your car, you can press a button to let the valet service know that you will be arriving - giving them time to prepare your car for you.  Payment is deducted automatically from the credentials that you provided the application - greatly simplifying your experience!

Their Vision
In an article on TechCrunch, Pango told them that they are going to hopefully expand to other "major metro areas... as well as bringing their on-street and non-valeted garage parking models live over the next few months."  They recently soft-launched their on-street parking service in a city in Pennsylvania last month.  Currently, the company is handling more than 2 million parking transactions monthly.  They make their money by splitting revenue with the garage proprietor or the owners of the areas where they plan on setting up their Pango parking meters.

Think it's a good concept? Would you use it? Sound off in the comments!