BRIGADE ROAD: Parking on Brigade Road during the peak hours is a nightmare. Constapark, a web app, lets you track space in real time and even book a slot in advance.
The start-up, founded by childhood friends Chetan Chauhan and Mehul Pangtey, controls a lot near Rex cinema that can accommodate about 30 cars and some two-wheelers. The app is still in its beta stage.
"We noticed that parking was a major problem in Bengaluru, and conducted surveys. Then, in 2013, we registered as a company, and during an IPL match organised an alpha run using the site of a building being demolished near the stadium," says Chetan.
The feedback helped them create their present set-up.
All their transactions are cashless, and bookings are made through online transactions as well. And customers are given a choice of three discount coupons from stores in the locality.
"In addition to providing parking services, we want to create a marketspace as well. So we tie up with vendors and issue coupons—stores selling food, accessories, electronics—and all of them can be used only in the stores here. We are even open to tie-ups with the local paan shops," he says.
As the name indicates, Constapark strives to provide constant parking in urban areas. Its parking area is open between 9 am and 11 pm, and charges `50 an hour for four-wheelers and `20 for two-wheelers. It is also under CCTV surveillance.
"There is no penalty. If users take longer than they planned, they can either get an extension online or call our number and tell us," he says.
The team learnt that demand for parking spaces peaks at certain times -- like during big film releases and cricket matches -- and falls rapidly. So they also constantly tweet to keep their users updated.
"We are still learning from the feedback we receive. Next we want to tie up with the government to spread out more," says Chetan.
However, they don't want to operate street parking services; they believe there are plenty of other spaces that are unused. "We want to be more innovative," he explains.
Near Rex cinema, Constapark operates a parking lot that can accommodate 30 cars and some two-wheelers
Visit www.constapark.com, call 8553623691 or mail support@constapark.com