A Web site created by UF students could ease the pain associated with finding parking in Gainesville.
Sargent White, a UF masters student in finance and information systems, joined about six of his friends to launch ParkontheFly.com in December to give users the chance to use cell phones or computers to reserve parking spots in lots across the city.
The site is hosting a kick-off promotion today in an empty lot at University Avenue and Southwest 13th Street.
Users who park in the lot near McDonald’s get two free weeks of parking.
After registering with ParkontheFly.com, users can go to the site and click on a map with one of seven lot locations to reserve a spot near their destination. The locations range from lots downtown to Southwest 34th Street. With a credit or debit card, they pay 40 to 80 cents per hour to lot's owner and can print out passes, White said. ParkontheFly.com may receive a portion of profits.
Scott Fox, transportation services director, said the system could impact the university’s sustainability campaign.
“Do we want to encourage and promote more students driving instead of riding bikes, carpooling and commuting options?” Fox said.
