Technology

In this four-part Parkonomics series for Urban Land, Kevin Bopp, Bernard Lee, and Andrew Sachs, CAPP, examine how parking facilities must evolve to remain viable in a rapidly changing mobility landscape

Somerville, MA — At the annual New England Parking & Transportation Council Municipal Forum, Ken Wollins of Municipal Parking Services (MPS) shared how communities are using state-of-the-art technology to address illegal parking and transit rider safety.

During the webinar, panelists discussed current AI applications in parking and mobility operations, emphasizing that AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a complete solution, particularly strong in data processing, pattern recognition, and automation. They addressed challenges such as data privacy, regulatory compliance, and the need for human oversight, along with risks like AI hallucinations and the importance of accurate data inputs. The conversation highlighted AI’s growing role in customer service, appeals processing, revenue management, and development. Panelists also noted that while AI will increase productivity, it is more likely to create new opportunities than eliminate jobs. Looking ahead 3–5 years, they expressed excitement about AI’s potential but stressed the need for nimble partners and strong guardrails as the technology continues to evolve rapidly.

Chicago, IL & Leesburg, VA – Ocra, the first AI-powered Revenue Management System (RMS) and Global Distribution System (GDS) for hotel parking assets, and TrackMyShuttle, a leading real-time fleet visibility and operations platform for hotels, airports, and parking operators, announced a strategic partnership to transform the airport hotel parking experience. By combining Ocra’s purpose-built parking revenue management platform with TrackMyShuttle’s transparency-focused transit technology, the two companies provide a "white-glove" solution to the multi-billion dollar airport parking and ground transportation sector.

The transition to a fully Automated Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) offers many benefits, but it also comes with a set of significant drawbacks that organizations must consider.

Denver, CO — Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), a leading provider of parking compliance and facility monitoring services, announced the introduction of ARCNext, the latest module in the next-generation parking automation platform that leverages AI-driven vision technology and mobile automation to help parking owners and operators detect unauthorized facility usage and parking activity, track authorized usage, and access actionable data insights directly from their mobile devices. Developed in partnership with PRRS’ technology partner Paralign, the platform enables owners and operators to monitor facility activity across multiple properties and respond quickly to compliance issues with greater efficiency and transparency.

In dense downtown communities, limited parking availability often leads drivers to make short-term decisions that carry real safety consequences. Vehicles parked illegally near crosswalks, bus stops, and intersections may be stopped for only a moment, but they routinely block sightlines, force pedestrians into traffic, and create hazards for motorists and transit riders.

Shaping the Future of Mobility

Indianapolis, IN — As hybrid learning schedules reshape how students, faculty, and staff spend time on U.S. college campuses, a new study from parking technology provider T2 Systems finds that many university parking programs don’t reflect these new commuting patterns.

Wauwatosa, WI — Patients and visitors to Froedtert Hospital will find parking easier and more pleasant with the grand opening of a new six-level, 2274-space Froedtert Hospital Parking - Blue structure. The new garage, which boasts a glass-enclosed design and modern parking management technology, elevates the parking experience while introducing a new architectural landmark at Froedtert Hospital, home of the region’s only adult Level I Trauma Center.

San Francisco & Chicago - Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) and SpotHero, Inc. announced that they have reached an agreement for Uber to acquire SpotHero, bringing parking reservations onto the Uber app.

San Diego, CA — EnSight Technologies has been selected to implement a vision-based parking occupancy management and guidance system for The Visionary, a four-story Class A office development rising in the Pinnacle Hills district of Northwest Arkansas.