Technology upgrades could simplify O’Hare parking

Finding parking at one of the nation’s busiest airports might get a little easier.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is looking to mobile phones to streamline parking at O’Hare International Airport. The idea comes from downtown Chicago parking lots that rely heavily on technology.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday that Emanuel’s administration is accepting proposals for a new technology system that would reduce the need for toll booth-style exit lanes. Drivers would be able to use their cell phones to find empty spaces and credit cards to pay before they exit, instead of waiting to pay attendants during peak travel times.

The airport has about 25,000 parking spaces.

The Chicago Transit Authority recently added a feature that allows riders at some train stations to pay for parking via cell phones.