smart fortwo Gets Parking Discount in New York

The more we think, the more we realize parking fees should be given according to the size of the car. It's not fair to pay the same amount as an SUV owner, let's say, if you happen to have a smart for instance.

Our opinion seems to be supported by some New York City Area Parking Companies as well. As a matter of fact, smart USA Distributor LLC announced that they've concluded agreements with three New York City area parking companies. Meyers Parking, Icon Parking Systems and AviStar Airport Parking to offer parking discounts to smart fortwo owners. Therefore, those who own such a tiny car will be given a 50 percent discount off daily and monthly posted parking rates at hundreds of locations across New York City.

"Our arrangement with the parking companies gives smart owners the best of both worlds: the ability to park at a discounted price, along with the ease to park almost anywhere," said Dave Schembri, President of smart USA. "The smart fortwo is helping New Yorkers change the way they park and navigate congested city streets, while offering great fuel economy, safety and functionality."

In fact, this is not the first time when Meyers Parking is offering parking discounts to smart fortwo owners. They've started this program last September and they are going to renew it for 2009.

"We are pleased to have been the innovator of this '50 percent off' concept and we are very happy for smart owners as they now have options to park in areas where Meyers Parking facilities are not located at attractive rates," said Michael Carolan, Director of Operations for Meyers Parking.

As for Icon Parking Systems, they have more than 200 parking facilities in Manhattan. Interested smart fortwo owners have to open a no-fee charge account and will receive a special card that must be presented to the cashier at the time of payment. smart fortwo customers parking at an Icon Parking facility on a monthly basis will automatically qualify for a $99 monthly rate.

Last but certainly not the least, AviStar Airport Parking addresses to smart fortwo owners who travel by plane put of the New York City. Therefore, smart fortwo customers who would like to benefit from the discounts in this parking area should first print a special coupon from the company's web site and then present it to the cashier at the time of payment.

It looks like these discounts are a sort of reward for drivers who opted for a mini car to make their way through the crowded Big Apple.