Virtual Parking Meters –What’s Next? By Nick Taylor
It’s not as new as you think. Virtual parking meters have been around in one form or another for 20 years
but only today are getting the attention of vehicle owners and lot operators. Believe it or not “virtual” parking meters do not always require a vehicle operator or even a lot operator to have a computer or smart phone. Some systems only require telephone access. Parking permits-by-phone add
real convenience to any parking envi- ronment. Avehicle operator can easi- ly initiate a parking session using any phone or on-line device. Whether used to complement conventional physical meters or as a standalone solution these “virtual” parking meters enable everyone to manage and profit fromthe use of any number of parking spaces on a full or part-time basis, without any equip- ment or expense. There are a number of different virtual parking systems
now been eliminated. Everyone wins; lot operators profit and patrons experience greater convenience. On demand services can be deployed instantly, without any
On demand services can be deployed instantly, without any cost.
accessible by telephone and/or online, and they tend to address specific nichemarkets. However there are two basic categories of systems, “Account based” and “On demand”. “Account based” parkingworkswell for frequent users, but an accountmust be set up and vehicles pre-registered before it can be used. “On demand” services are designed to provide greater flexibility and permits do not require the user to set up an account. Some sys- tems allowpermits to be issuedwith orwithout a credit card, and can be accessed by phone or online. They’re ideal for environ- ments where visitors, tourists or other casual users need a park- ing permitwithout delay. What better way for a property owner or lot operator to
enhance services provided and at the same time to create a new revenue stream? Charging a fee for the use of parking space is not a novel concept, in fact, the first parking meter went into service inOklahoma City over 75 years ago. The barrierwhich prevented lot operators from profitably providing pay for use parking has
cost.With the continued growth of urban centers and increased pressure on parking, revenue opportunities exist everywhere and applications are limited only by one’s imagination. Aside from the obvious use of complementing existing payment systems in medical centers, hospitals, residential buildings, etc. public parking short- ages in high traffic neighborhoods can also be alleviated by offering underutilized parking spaces at the back or sides of buildings on a pay for use basis. Consider this: •Medical Centers - patients and
visitors can pay for or top up parking permits without leaving the waiting
roomor a loved one’s side • Pay Lots - patrons no longer need to stand in the rain to
make the initial purchase or to leave their friends in a restaurant to ‘feed themeter’ • Residential Complexes - can enable visitors to obtain
overnight parking permits evenwhen site staff is off duty • Subsidized Housing Complexes - can charge a notional fee
for overnight parking and the profit can be used to fund special projects to benefit themembers Despite the explosive growth of computers and smart
phones,many people remain uncomfortablewith technology and will not use services that feel unfamiliar. Signing up for a user account is notwithin their comfort zone. To address this very real concern, on demand parking solutions are designed to feel famil- iar, it’s much like calling a friend at work and entering their extension number, it’s that easy. Think of the possibilities!
Nick Taylor is Director-Operations at Smarter Parking Solutions. He can be reached at
ntaylor@smarterparkingsolutions.com
PT
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Parking Today
www.parkingtoday.com
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