Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
Here in Los Angeles, we probably didn't invent valet parking. But we've certainly refined it. Once the domain of high-end restaurants and hotels, there are now grocery stores and barber shops that offer valet parking.
So no wonder somebody thought, "There should be an app for that."
Two new services, ZIRX and Luxe hope to transform the parking experience in much the same way Uber has revolutionized the business of finding a ride home. Both are easy to use, and relatively cheap. For $15 a valet will meet you at your destination, park your car in a secure garage, and return it to you when you're ready for it.
Everything is handled by the app - from offering you the name and a picture of your valet, to being able to track your car's parked location.
Right now, service areas are limited. For instance, ZIRX currently only serves downtown and a specific chunk of Hollywood. But it plans to expand, and is operating in other cities, including San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC.
Like Uber, no cash transaction is required - you register a credit card when you sign up for the app. The companies say no tip is required either, but in our one parking experience, the ZIRX attendant accepted an offered gratuity, with grace.