Free Parking Through iPhone App

Of all the NYC Big Apps contenders (Taxihack is one), we think the NYC Broken Meters will be the most used and abused. The app uses the city's own data to locate broken meters, allowing users to score free parking! The NY Post points out that under city law, parking at broken-meter spots is permitted "for at least an hour."

Most shocking is that the city made the data available specifically for the app, and the creator, Raviv Turner, says it's a win-win situation "because it may help motivate the city to fix broken meters." Turner also hopes in the next version users will be able to upload information on broken meters not yet listed, though drivers may not be anxious to alert The Man of the free parking they've scored.

Right now you can locate about 1,000 busted meters using the app. Check out the top 10 Big Apps here; there's something for cyclists, tree lovers, dog owners, foodies... none for stroller pushers though. What other apps would New Yorkers find useful?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on December 15, 2009 1:32 PM

Comments [rss]

taxifinder

http://www.nyctaxifinder.com provides similar data, but it also includes, in many cases, a dispatcher's phone number as well as emissions inspection data for drivers.

bittycakes

Back when I drove I knew all about the 'free for an hour' rule yet I STILL got a ticket. I photographed the broken meter and sent it in with a letter explaining the meter was broken, that I knew the law, and provided the meter number. They claimed to go "check it out" and ruled that it was functional (BULL$HIT!). Needless to say, they wouldn't dismiss the ticket. I still had to pay. I'm just saying, even though it's supposed to be free for an hour, it still might cost you 50 bucks or whatever a meter ticket goes for these days...

ProcedureTurn

ive parked at FAIL meters and NEVR got a ticket. In fact, I look for these.

Ofcourse, the spot has to be FREE (unoccupied) otherwise its a useless app.