By Brandy Stanley, CAPP
TNCs are not a new phenomenon, but handling them effectively to reduce the congestion they cause and move people through the downtown core is quite a challenge.
The City of Las Vegas is taking a two-pronged approach to helping TNCs do business downtown:
- Using large kiosks with visual cues to help TNC drivers understand where to pick up and drop off passengers and how long they can stay there is proving to be a highly effective strategy for managing precious curb space in busy areas.
- To get TNCs out of traffic circulation while they wait for the next ride, the city has identified empty parking assets to offer to these drivers. Providing a place to use the restroom, access WiFi, and rest keeps the drivers happier as well as clearing up the streets.
These two programs have been evolving since prior to COVID and continue to evolve as the city emerges from the pandemic; they involve extensive technology, marketing, stakeholder involvement, and partnerships with the TNCs and local businesses. There are also plenty of lessons learned and “back to the drawing board” moments, as is often the case when blazing a trail.
Brandy Stanley, CAPP, is parking services manager for the City of Las Vegas. She will present on this topic at the 2021 IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Expo, Nov. 29 – Dec. 3, in Tampa, Fla. Click here for details and to register.