Parramatta Council in western Sydney has launched two new smartphone apps that track available parking spots, and the location of a community shuttle bus in real time.
The parking app, known as Parra Smart Parking, offers live navigation to available parking spaces, and allows the user to touch on a parking station to see up-to-the-minute occupancy rates.
The Parra Shuttle Bus Tracker app allows real-time tracking of Parramatta’s free shuttle bus, allowing users to best judge when to catch it.
“I don’t think there’s any other government in Australia that has leveraged connective technologies like we have here in Parramatta,” said the Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid.
“Already, consumers are experiencing advanced mobile applications that make positive contributions to daily life,” said Cr Chedid. “So it’s exciting that Parramatta is at the forefront of digital technology and deploying applications such as these, and finding smart ways to improve our urban life.”
“The Parra Smart Parking application will help people locate parking with a simple tap of the phone,” said Cr Chedid. “Parramatta is a key employment, cultural and social hub and it is vital that we continue to improve the way visitors, workers and residents access our City.”
Cr Chedid said the real-time tracking of Parramatta’s popular shuttle bus will set a new standard in transport services.
“The Parra Shuttle Bus Tracker application provides live information about where the bus is travelling,” he said.
“This is quite a significant step forward for transport services, and I hope that others will follow our lead on this innovative concept.”
Frank Dorrian, Managing Director of SGS Australia and Program Manager for Parramatta’s Digital Concierge program, said that the application will help to improve future traffic management.
“The Parra Smart Parking application will identify capacity data trends, which will ensure Council can provide the necessary car parking spaces required for Sydney’s growing second CBD,” said Mr Dorrian.
“It will also reduce Parramatta’s carbon footprint by minimising the amount of traffic congestion,” he said.
“The Parra Shuttle Bus feature is a convenient tool for commuters that will allow them to know where the bus is positioned and reduce the amount of time spent a bus-stops.”
Parramatta’s focus on connective technologies is an initiative of the ParraConnect Advisory Committee, an ongoing program that aims to help businesses, community groups, government stakeholders and residents.
“Creating a ‘smart’ city is a vital piece of our future infrastructure puzzle, and through the introduction of connective technologies like Smart Parking Parramatta, we are well on our way to becoming a smarter city,” said Cr Chedid.
The Parra Smart Parking and Parra Shuttle Bus Tracker application is available for download, for free, on all android phones and will be made available on the iPhone and Blackberry and other popular devices in the coming weeks. The apps can be downloaded from the ParraConnect website at www.parraconnect.net.au.
