What We Learned at IPMI 2025 – Data, Drones, and Game Day Drama

The International Parking and Mobility Institute (IPMI) Conference is always a chance to spot what’s next in parking and mobility (and maybe a little of what’s not working yet). This year was Peter Richards’ 5th year attending (and 1st since he founded Parkicity), and it delivered everything from live drone feeds at NFL stadiums to lessons on permit data pitfalls. Here are a few key takeaways from IPMI in Louisville. I’ve been saying it wrong all this time! Permits, Pilots, and Parking Near Stadiums On a tour near the Louisville City FC soccer stadium, we heard about a Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program that was launched – and then quickly shut down – because residents said they weren’t notified. But they were. The area, once home to a car junkyard, now hosts 2,200 gravel lot spaces and has big redevelopment plans for retail and apartments. But enforcement and event planning challenges remain. People park for free far from the stadium, and attempts at event programming (like concerts) have literally torn up the turf. It should also be noted that Louisville is a multi-vendor paid parking app, meaning visitors have the choice of their favourite app. Pick an app, any app From LPR to Insight: The Dirty Work Behind Clean Data A major thread at the conference was data and how to collect occupancy, 24/7 or periodically. One presentation highlighted the benefits but also the complexity of turning license plate recognition (LPR) and camera data into useful information. The raw feeds – LPR scans, citations, permits, payment transactions, even drone images need serious cleanup: Enforcement schedules can skew what’s captured Sensor coverage is patchy, especially beyond pay stations License plates need fuzzy matching (is that a Z or a 2?) Metadata like vehicle type or duration is often missing Privacy measures must anonymize plates before analysis One theme emerged: “Data should inform decisions, not lead them.” Cities need “before and after” metrics – occupancy, permits issued, citation volume, and compliance – to prove that a permit or pay program solves an actual problem. Hayes Valley’s “Pay or Permit” program in San Francisco came up as a model, built on three pillars: Most parkers aren’t local Most non-residents are overstaying Occupancy is consistently high Toronto’s Parking Tech and EV Future The City of Toronto shared its evolving mobility landscape – and how parking is still part of the story. A few standout stats and ideas: One lot near Spadina added Purolator parcel lockers and increased revenue by 33%. Multi-functional lots add value 50% of EV charging users lived within 1km of the charger, 57% of users live within 5 km They’ve processed 50,000 new EV transactions Long-term goal: reduce from 3,100 to 2,000 meters – but keep them for the next decade One big idea or dream floated by the TPA VP of Operations: a future monthly bundle for parking, transit, and bike share access. Not here yet – but the bundling / Mobility as a Service joint offering conversation is getting louder. Digital Curb Challenges from Seattle to Boston Cities are still figuring out how to digitize the curb. A few shared challenges: Cameras are tricky to deploy due to mounting, power, and departmental silos Cyclomedia and Cartegraph are used in Boston, but 20% of signs were missing from digital records Trucks and passing vehicles can feed false data into sensors or AI Even with real-time availability, Minneapolis noted delivery drivers likely wouldn’t use this information – routes, schedule, and habits matter more Seattle’s commercial load zone data showed 80% of vehicles were parked illegally, underscoring that enforcement is essential – especially for small businesses that rely on load zones for survival. It was stressed that the management of these commercial loading zones is a key factor to the value of the permit and if they would actually buy the monthly permits Seattle released the CurbIQ digital curb inventory and real-time information of these load zones, and it’s super cool: https://seattle.curbiq.io/public-default/ Brian Hamlin from Seattle DOT showing up their real-time public map link NFL Game Day Parking is a Logistics Masterclass Walter P Moore walked us through the logistics of managing 26,000 spaces on NFL game day at the Houston Texans’ NRG Stadium: 21,000 spaces are used by fans, the rest for staff, media, and other “back of house” roles Rideshare lots, pedestrian plans, and cashless mobile passes are all part of the playbook “Eyes on approach and egress” with roaming vehicles is key Staff use active guidance to manage entry and exit flow Most fans are parked 15 minutes after kickoff, and the lots are cleared within 1 hour after the game Could Parkalytics and their drone parking surveys support live feed monitoring or drone mapping here in the future? Something for event management planners to consider. Ushering in the New Curbside Management Era: How to Transition from Parking to Curbside Management The Curb Super Group! This municipal workshop was led by experts from Minneapolis, Miami Parking Authority, Washington DC, Fairfax County, City of Richmond (and Parkicity), and centered around various burning questions and issues municipalities are having at the curbside, from policy and regulations, to simply digitizing and mapping their curbs. Despite various sized municipalities, the issues were similar – staffing, budgets, politics, prioritization, coordination, data ownership, and communication Cities want to digitize their curb, but need internal champions Solutions discussed included budgeting for curb-related digitization and studies, using software to aid the process, and starting small with pilots Final Thoughts There’s no single path to modern curbside management, but the ingredients include items such as strong data foundations, clear goals and objectives, city buy-in from top to bottom, smart tech applications, and responsive operations. Open Mobility Foundation bike ride Have questions on any of these takeaways or want to test out some of these strategies in your city? Let’s talk. Peter Richards, P.Eng., is the President and Principal Consultant for Parkicity. Peter can be reached at pete@parkicity.com. This blog is republished with permission from Parkicity: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/volume-8-what-we-learned-ipmi-2025-data-drones-game-day-drama-5jxjc/  


ABM Selected to Provide Parking and Shuttle Transportation at Orlando International Airport

Orlando, FL – ABM (NYSE: ABM), a leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, has been awarded a new contract by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) to provide parking and employee shuttle services at Orlando International Airport (MCO). With this 10-year agreement valued at approximately $300 million, ABM is now the trusted partner delivering both parking and shuttle transportation services at MCO, one of the busiest and fastest-growing airports in the United States. The MCO shuttle program will be enabled with ABM Vantage™, ABM’s advanced mobility intelligence platform which will deliver real-time data and analytics to improve fleet visibility, operational efficiency, and rider experience. “This partnership reinforces ABM’s leadership in managing large-scale transportation programs at major U.S. airports,” said Sean Bromfield, President of Aviation at ABM. “By pairing our proven transportation expertise with our industry-leading tech and data capabilities, we’re delivering smarter, safer, and more efficient shuttle experiences for millions of travelers and airport employees. We’re proud to support GOAA’s innovation-forward vision at MCO.” As part of the partnership, ABM will oversee the procurement, maintenance, and operation of a new fleet of 61 modern transit buses, bringing next-generation capability and rider comfort to both parking and employee shuttle operations. For the first time in MCO’s history, the responsibility for capital investment and fleet maintenance will be fully managed by the contractor—reflecting GOAA’s confidence in ABM’s operational strength and financial stability. For more information on ABM’s parking and transportation services, visit www.abm.com/solutions/service-family/parking-transportation. About ABM ABM (NYSE: ABM) is one of the world’s largest providers of integrated facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions. Every day, over 100,000 ABM team members deliver essential services that make spaces cleaner, safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. ABM serves a wide range of industries including aviation, commercial real estate, education, manufacturing, and transportation infrastructure. With more than $8 billion in annual revenue, ABM partners with clients to optimize operations and enable long-term success. ABM: Driving possibility, together. For more information, visit www.abm.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Valentino ABM media@abm.com


EasyPark Group Unifies Under ‘Arrive’ to Build the World’s Leading Global Mobility Platform

EasyPark, Flowbird, Parkopedia, RingGo, and ParkMobile reveal its new corporate parent company and brand “Arrive”, with the shared vision to make cities more livable.  A new era for urban mobility has arrived. EasyPark Group, the leading provider of digital parking and mobility solutions, unveiled a new name and identity to better align with the company’s vision to make cities more livable. Arrive, the new company name, will replace EasyPark Group and Flowbird Group, and will be the overarching parent company for the consumer brands EasyPark, Flowbird, ParkMobile, Parkopedia, RingGo, Yellowbrick, YourParkingSpace and other brands within the organization. “I’m very excited to be able to celebrate the reveal of our company’s new name and brand Arrive,” said Cameron Clayton, CEO of Arrive. “Our exponential growth over the past 12 months, especially with the integration of Flowbird and Parkopedia, has dramatically expanded our scope of business and product offerings. We need a corporate structure and identity that mirrors our entire portfolio – moving beyond just parking.” Arrive is committed to empowering people and decision-makers to make better choices about urban mobility and ease the experience of travel. It’s the company’s mission to do this in as many cities as possible, regardless of size, location, or mobility maturity. Arrive believes mobility is about more than function, it’s about simplifying the experience of travel for everyone who lives in a city in an effort to make cities even more enjoyable to live in. “Arrive’s vision of making cities more livable is an inherited testament to the work EasyPark Group, Flowbird Group, and Parkopedia achieved individually over the last 20 years,” said Clayton. “We are building the world’s leading global mobility platform. We can’t do it alone, we can only do it together with cities, with riders and with drivers. Arrive is tomorrow’s mobility platform.” Building on EasyPark Group’s legacy, Arrive’s new visual identity draws inspiration from the dynamic energy of urban environments. The color palette and imagery were chosen to evoke optimism and clarity, featuring warm tones, blue skies, and light, airy compositions that convey a sense of possibility and forward momentum. The consumer brands and mobile apps, such as EasyPark, RingGo, ParkMobile, and Flowbird, will remain unaffected for the foreseeable future. Arrive will act as the predominant corporate body to the consumer brands.


The City of South Miami Swaps Parking Meters for Trees

Vancouver, Canada – The City of South Miami, Florida, announces it has signed up to Meters for Trees, the multi-award-winning tree planting initiative from PayByPhone, the global leader in mobile parking payments. Alfredo Riverol, Chief Financial Officer, the City of South Miami, says, “Meters for Trees is a meaningful and easy way for us to move toward an eco-friendlier future. Since removing all parking hardware in the City and encouraging mobile parking payments, Meters for Trees now ensures we are not only addressing air quality for South Miami but also supporting our own environmental goals through local tree planting.” PayByPhone, one of the parking payments providers for the City of South Miami since 2011, across its 27 on- and off-street parking locations, first launched Meters for Trees in the UK in 2019, as part of its broader environmental campaigns including Green December. These initiatives help forward-thinking cities, universities, and parking operators reduce their costly parking hardware as they opt for a mobile app-based parking service. Over the past five years, PayByPhone’s environmental campaigns have collectively planted over 225,000 trees globally. Meters for Trees supports the City of South Miami in furthering its sustainability initiatives through the removal of parking hardware and the planting of trees while at the same time saving costs. The City of South Miami has already removed approximately 700 parking meters under Meters for Trees equating to 39 trees planted in Withlacoochee State Forest through PayByPhone’s partner, veritree, an organization that connects businesses with verified tree planting projects to elevate global reforestation. PayByPhone will also contribute $500 towards helping plant trees locally. By removing payment hardware and planting trees, CO₂ is absorbed by each newly planted tree as it grows, directly benefitting the local environment through carbon footprint reduction as CO₂ is sequestered from the atmosphere. Additionally, mobile parking payments reduce costly compliance issues for the City by eliminating the need for expensive readers in the payment hardware and the need for vehicles to collect cash and to service parking meters and stations. In the City of South Miami, this equates to approximately 200 miles per year. Carmen Donnell, Managing Director North America for PayByPhone, says, “Welcoming the City of South Miami to our Meters for Trees campaign is a meaningful step toward building a greener tomorrow. We’re proud to work alongside partners who share our vision of sustainability and environmental stewardship, making it easy for parking operators to contribute to reforestation efforts.” Meters for Trees is a multi-award-winning initiative, having won 12 international awards, including a Global Gold Award at the 2019 Green World Environment Awards in the Carbon Reduction and Local Authorities categories, the Green Champion Award in Carbon Reduction at the 2019 Green Apple Environment Awards, and the Environmental Initiative Award at the 2020 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards. The City of South Miami joins The City of Coral Gables, Florida, The City of Olympia, Washington, and The City of Allentown, Pennsylvania, who joined Meters for Trees in March 2025. For more information about Meters for Trees, please visit www.paybyphone.com/meters-for-trees. ABOUT PAYBYPHONE PayByPhone is a global leader in mobile parking payments. We simplify the journeys for millions of people through our smart, intuitive mobile payment technology and exciting features. We work with over 1,400 cities and operators across North America, the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland. More than 95 million drivers worldwide have trusted us with their payments to date. To discover how our products and services can elevate your driving experience, please visit www.paybyphone.com PayByPhone. We simplify your journey, so you can focus on what matters most. Press contact: Sarah Claridge Communications Consultant Indaba sarah.claridge@weareindaba.com (+44) 207 692 4964


Get My Parking Appoints Taylor Hahn as Vertical Discovery & Demand Manager, North America

Los Angeles, CA – Get My Parking (GMP), a global leader in AI-powered, white-labeled smart parking software and integrated mobility solutions, has announced the appointment of Taylor Hahn as Vertical Discovery & Demand Manager, North America. This new role underscores GMP’s commitment to early-stage market development and the strategic qualification of demand across new and established verticals. Hahn brings a proven ability to open new markets, build credibility with decision-makers, and align their unique operational needs with GMP’s platform capabilities. With extensive experience leading discovery conversations, delivering informed product demonstrations, and developing trusted relationships, she will play a pivotal role in introducing GMP’s solutions to untapped markets. Her focus will ensure prospective clients and partners gain early insight into how GMP’s technology can support their operations—through data-driven dialogue, vertical alignment, and informed outreach. In this role, Hahn will report directly to Steve Resnick, PTMP, President, North America, with strategic alignment to Jordan Schware, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Partnerships, and Geremy Rodamer, Vice President of Sales. She will collaborate closely with these leaders, along with GMP’s Marketing team and outbound lead-gen partners, to generate interest, qualify leads, and gauge demand—owning first-touch engagements with purpose, leading discovery conversations, and identifying high-fit opportunities for deeper dialogue with GMP’s Sales and Channel teams. “Taylor brings the right mix of consultative sensibilities, strategic intuition, and cross-sector awareness to help us expand our market presence with intention,” said Resnick. “She knows how to listen carefully, read the room, ask the right questions, and help prospective clients see how our technology solutions can support their operations and aspirations. Her work ensures we’re not only in the room when opportunities arise—but that we’re clearly understood, top of mind, and ready to deliver value from the outset.” As GMP’s Voice of Discovery, Hahn will map their solution suite to stakeholder challenges across a diverse client landscape—including commercial operators, universities, municipalities, and more. She will also serve as a field-level intelligence channel, sharing actionable insights from her discovery conversations with prospects back to GMP’s Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to sharpen messaging, refine positioning, and inform go-to-market strategy. Her presence at industry events and association forums will elevate GMP’s brand visibility, strengthen brand equity, and introduce and reinforce its relevance across a wide range of industries and categories. “Taylor’s appointment reflects our broader commitment to focused, intelligent growth,” said Chirag Jain, Founder and CEO of Get My Parking. “As we continue to scale in North America, it’s not just about reaching more prospects—it’s about reaching the right ones with clarity and conviction. Taylor brings the discipline, curiosity, and customer-centric mindset we need to win in a rapidly evolving market.” Hahn’s professional background includes securing multi-year, six-figure technology agreements, leading solution-selling efforts, and supporting creative performance strategies for clients. She has held key roles across business development, account management, and partner success—leveraging CRM tools, outbound frameworks, and discovery protocols to build strong, strategic pipelines. Her arrival at GMP is expected to deliver both immediate results and long-term value for the company and clients alike. About Get My Parking GMP is a global software company transforming the parking and mobility industry. Our AI-powered platform modernizes legacy systems into Intelligent Mobility Hubs with minimal upfront investment. GMP’s hardware-agnostic, Capex-light, IoT-based solutions integrate seamlessly with third-party technologies—gated or gateless—while preserving client branding, customer relationships, and data ownership. Operators gain powerful tools for digital engagement, analytics, and revenue growth. Learn more at www.getmyparking.com