Phoenix has never secured an IBM Smart Cities grant, but now it can partner with a startup funded by IBM Smartcamp and IBM to install parking solutions that would allow fewer square miles to be devoted exclusively to parking.

They are currently partnering with a city in England: "Analytics software will help [the partner city] understand its parking patterns so it can better manage congestion, improve parking efficiency and make it easier to find parking in the city’s Jewelry Quarter.

Ultra low power wireless sensors have been implanted into the road surface of existing parking spaces in an initial 10-block area of the city. These sensors detect the presence of a vehicle and transmit the data, which is collected and analyzed in real-time. This information is then made available to both the city transport authority and drivers.

Drivers who download Streetline’s Parker app can check on parking availability via their computers or mobile devices. Drivers can also see pricing, pay for parking using their mobile phone (where available), and get guidance back to their car when they finish their activity."