Pittsburgh unveils online parking finder tool

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Finding a place to park in downtown Pittsburgh could get a lot easier, thanks to a new high-tech tool.

Ever rush downtown to make dinner reservations or get to the theater on time only to be thwarted by “lot full” signs at every parking garage you pass?

Starting today at noon, motorists can go online before they leave home, use a mobile device, or call a phone number to find out where parking spots are available. It’s all part of a pilot program by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

The tool is being used to keep track of 5,000 spaces at nine garages in the city’s theater district, but could be rolled out to garages in other parts of the city as well.

Officials hope it will encourage people to come downtown and make finding a parking space in the city less daunting.