Feature

Abstract

This paper discusses strategies for getting to a set of desired outcomes for metered curbside parking using less capital-intensive solutions. 'Asset lite' solutions are discussed in the context of payment options and occupancy detection for metered on-street parking. On the payment side, the revenue stream has evolved from being primarily coin-based to a mixture of coin, credit, and new payment options such as pay by cell. There are inherent cost and convenience benefits for the non-coin options. The relationship between downtown congestion and cruising to find an open parking spot has encouraged local jurisdictions to look at pricing as a tool to ensure that a certain level of occupancy or availability is maintained for on-street spaces. Fundamental to this approach is estimating occupancy. The industry has migrated from manual counts for occupancy sensing to space sensors and, more recently, cameras. However, the cost structures for automated detection as currently used might be cost prohibitive. With the recent infusion of new technology and networked assets in the parking industry, the timing is right for individual jurisdictions to consider less capital-intensive, more cost-effective solutions by implementing smarter solutions and leveraging data from all components of the parking ecosystem. How far a jurisdiction or agency can move along the 'asset lite' spectrum will be dictated by customer needs, biases, adoption, and an individual agency's policies and willingness to experiment and innovate.