In an earlier post, the BIA Blog explored how several cities across America are using new technology and new approaches to effect what amounts to a virtual revolution in parking. One of those cities--Portland, OR--is deploying cutting-edge technology to help alleviate its parking problems and the congestion associated with the search for parking spots.SmartPark, Portland's parking contractor, is preparing to launch a pilot program that will track and relay real-time information about parking locations at three city-managed locations downtown. The new system will use sensors to track use of parking spaces and relay the information to electronic signs on the front of each parking garage, as well as to a temporary sign addressing drivers headed downtown on the Morrison Bridge.
Portland's system is based upon mature technology. Earlier this year, the Federal Highway Administration released a study showing how real-time parking systems benefit downtown businesses. In 2002, the German Ministry of Education and Research released a report demonstrating how real-time parking space information can drastically reduce traffic congestion. Several systems operating in different parts of the United States seem to offer greater customer satisfaction, as well as increased revenues through better utilization of parking facilities.
The new system will use sensors to track use of parking spaces and relay the information to electronic signs on the front of each parking garage, as well as to a temporary sign addressing drivers headed downtown on the Morrison Bridge.
ReplyDeleteNice. Of course, the primary use of the information is to be able to set the parking rates much closer to the demand for parking downtown as it changes.
The faster parking rates can be changed, the better for downtown so that we do not sit for a month with excessive vacancies or congested streets.
By the way, Professor Shoup's
video on the method for setting parking rates is now online for easy viewing. Perhaps the city will even put the video on their web page so that everyone can see why parking rates are being set the way they are and why. Otherwise, its going to be a mystery.
There's a parking garage in San Francisco (or at least there was when I lived in the area 3 years ago) at 5th and Mission that has those signs when you enter and as you enter each floor. It's extremely helpful. I think it's a win-win (I hate that term.)
ReplyDeleteThe Tacoma Dome garage is awful right now, I almost missed a bus a few weeks ago driving around looking for a space, and I got there 15 minutes ahead of time. I eventually had to park in the paid parking next door.
Hey, if these signs don't work, I know a great website that helps you find parking spaces. It's called Parkingspotter.com and it's a great resource for finding parking almost anywhere.
ReplyDelete