On February 25, 2026, IPMI hosted a Learning Lab session titled Thinking Outside the Lines: How HONK and UC Davis Are Redefining Campus Parking presented by HONK.

 

Presenters:

Linda Braak, PTMP, Director of Customer Care & Planning, UC Davis

Erin Burek, Events & Access Supervisor, UC Davis

Kacey Siskind, SVP Accounts, HONK

Mia Brown,Chief Operations Officer, HONK

Summary:

The Learning Lab session highlighted how HONK and UC Davis transformed campus parking through a daily decision model and digital payments. UC Davis replaced physical permits with a virtual system managing 1,000 to 2,000 daily parking permits and supporting 23,000 daily bike trips. HONK’s single sign-on integration prevents credential sharing and supports complex affiliate and labor contract rates. The team also implemented flexible event pricing and completed a highly coordinated rollout. The system has reduced congestion, maintained affordability, and achieved 70 percent digital wallet adoption.

Key Takeaways from the Learning Lab Session:

HONK & UC Davis Parking Innovation
HONK and UC Davis highlighted how flexible parking technology is transforming campus mobility. HONK brings over 12 years of higher education experience simplifying payments through software-driven solutions.

UC Davis Daily Parking Model
Serving 40,000 students and 10,000 employees, UC Davis shifted from quarterly permits to a daily decision model to address campus sprawl and limited land. Single-occupant vehicle use dropped to 25 percent, alternative transportation increased, and drivers saved money. HONK’s app integrates with campus SSO, supports digital wallets, and enables affiliation-based daily rates.

Parking Management Transition
UC Davis moved from physical to virtual permits, eliminating permit sharing and reducing cash handling, saving over $50,000 annually. While daily parking reduced congestion and infrastructure strain, it also decreased revenue by ending permit overselling.

Event & Rate Management Benefits
HONK streamlined event parking by automating rate management, reducing manual work, and allowing easy zone adjustments and promo codes. SSO integration improved security while maintaining convenience.

System Implementation & Compliance
The HONK platform reduced fraud and credential sharing through campus-wide SSO integration. The system supports complex labor group rate structures while maintaining contract compliance and operational flexibility.

Implementation Strategy & Project Ownership
Success was driven by strong project leadership, structured rollout planning, and thorough testing with students and faculty. Dedicated internal owners and close vendor collaboration were critical.

Resource Allocation & Collaboration
UC Davis emphasized the need for dedicated personnel to manage scope, timelines, testing, and marketing. Daily tracking and coordination with HONK led to meaningful system improvements.

Launch Outcomes & Campus Fit
The HONK system launched successfully across UC Davis’ primarily surface-lot campus. Apple Pay and Google Pay adoption has been strong, and the system supports visitors, enforcement, and evolving campus needs.

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