cars parked at the curbBy Erik Nelson

The IPMI Research & Innovation Task Force is offering this blog series to help demystify the approach to implementing curb lane management strategies for the industry. The blog series will present a common model for implementing curb management: Measure -> Manage -> Monitor -> Optimize.

This discussion will focus on measuring the curb

As with any business process, “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Curb management is no exception. What of curb management is measured? We use the curb for parking, of course. In addition to that, the curb is used for TNC drop-off/pick-up, transit, package delivery, meal delivery, transit access, micro-mobility, and more. There are many components of these actions that can be measured.

Measurable attributes of curb management may include curbside occupancy, duration of stay, revenue per available space, TNC pickup time, TNC drop-off time, and quantity and duration of deliveries for a given block face. Other attributes could include number of transit vehicles making stops, number of transit passengers, number of micro-mobility devices on a given block, and micro-mobility usage over time. As it turns out, there is a lot going on.

Curb usage can be measured by physically observing conditions or automated through technology such as sensors, video analytics, or mobile applications. Mobility providers may also provide data in certain circumstances. The data can be stored in a database and reported on over time. Key performance indicators (KPIs) can be developed, such as maximum or minimum events by a particular curb user group. Detailed year-over-year reports can be developed to support strategic or tactical objectives.

Identifying and measuring curb usage attributes is critical to the effectiveness of any curb management program or policy that a municipality or other curb owner may apply.

Erik Nelson is director of operations and technology consulting with Walker Consultants and a member of IPMI’s Research & Innovation Task Force.