Special Report: Space race

Finding a space to park in Boston can be a nightmare.

I've got an appointment in 10 minutes - there weren't any spaces where I was told to park, so now I've got to find a parking space on my own. Let's see how long it takes.

Nope, not there.

We circled for five minutes, 10 minutes... we even tried a few garages.

Nope. Full... This is frustrating.

I don't get it... I can call ahead for dinner reservations, buy Red Sox tickets in advance, why not reserve a parking space?

Several new companies like "SpotScout" are ramping up online to do just that: reserve your space before you start the engine.

Developer James Andrews shows us how to get in the driver's seat.

"In this case, we need to find parking around Fenway," Andrews says.

Signing up is free; once logged in, click on where you want to park and it will give you a number of options, including cheapest garage or closest walking distances.

"What we aim to do is provide that information, in the palm of your hand, when you need it," Andrews said.

If you’re going to the game and don't want to fork over $90 SpotScout will find your space in advance, at a nearby garage. You can reserve it and save nearly $70 and the hassle.

At Logan airport wasting time trying to park could leave you grounded.

Traveler Tucker Reynolds says, "I've got another half hour to find a spot."

A new service, Passport Gold, will have your space waiting before you arrive.

Tom Kinton, Logan Airport’s Aviation Director says, "The guarantee of knowing you're going to have a space is worth an awful lot to the business traveler."

And it will cost you $100 to sign up and an annual fee of $100. On top of that, when you park you'll pay about $30 a day.

These solutions could save you time, aggravation and gas during your space race. After all, it took us almost 20 minutes to find a spot.

Reserved parking is scheduled to launch at Logan on June 1, and SpotScout in July.
But what about parking at the MBTA? Right now, T officials say they're looking into similar ideas for their lots. But we won't see any changes until next year.

Massport
SpotScout
Parking tools
Parking Carma

Here’s a brand new book that could help you out: "The Guide to Boston Parking" Author Bob Murphy claims this book can get you in and out of the city for minimal money and migraines because you can comparison-shop between all of Boston’s parking garages.

(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)