New App Aims To Solve Parking Problem In Downtown Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - It's well known that parking in downtown Denver can be a pain, especially on the weekends. A new app called Blu Car now hopes to solve the hassle.

Boulder-based Blu Car developer Michael Dee says it works by partnering with existing valet companies, and then using your phone's GPS, much like Uber and Lyft.

"My request is confirmed, my Blu Car reservation has been made," Dee said while using the app.

That reservation summons a uniformed driver from one of three hot spots in downtown Denver. You hand them the keys, and they park your car in a secured parking lot.

"It's very likely that we have more insurance, on your car when we take it than you have when you give it to us," said Dee.

And when you're ready to go, just summon Blu Car again within the designated hot spots, and in 10 minutes the driver reappears with your car.

"When the car is returned to you, there is no ticket and there's no cash," Dee explained.

The cost is about the same as valet, with a $5 surcharge. That equates to about $17 in downtown Denver.

"It's not valet and it's not lot parking … It's what we call on-demand parking," said Dee.

It's a demand that he hopes drivers will accept paying, in light of the benefit.