Technology

An interview with Stephen Kowal of Nextivity

How Real-Time Flight Data and Technology Are Revolutionizing Airport Parking

Ocra announces that Ethan Glass and Nate Dunning, co-founders of Ocra, have been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 2025 in the Transportation & Mobility category. In 2019, while they were soccer teammates at Occidental College, Glass and Dunning began day-leasing spaces for parking during events at the L.A. Coliseum. Listing inventory on third-party reservation channels like SpotHero and ParkWhiz for consumers to book ahead of time boosted revenue, but managing it was labor-intensive, so they developed software to centralize rate and inventory management across multiple channels. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they reached out to 3000+ parking professionals to validate the fragmentation problem and ascertain product market fit. As a result of these conversation, they pivoted to turn their system into a SaaS platform for omni-channel rate and inventory management, powered by sophisticated custom APIs built and maintained by Ocra. Today, Ocra is a true agnostic partner to 50+ parking operators and asset owners and numerous demand channels including SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and more. The software is live at 600+ locations with 50+ operator partners, with $120mm in GMV and 2.9mm transactions projected to flow through it this year. Ocra CoPilot, Ocra's revenue management division, uses internal expertise and data to grow NOI for asset owners without extra labor. For one hotel partner, MCR, Ocra generated $3.4m in gross sales and $2.5m in incremental NOI in 2023. Ocra has raised $4.8 million from backers including MCR and Parker Technology. Glass and Dunning believe that facilitating the open flow of data between parking technologies is prerequisite to unlocking opportunities with industries like transportation, mobility, hospitality, and real estate that have undergone similar transformations. Ethan stated, "We are very humbled to be recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30. This is most certainly an entire team Ocra recognition and we share it with all of you that have helped shape this company. We strive to be the rising tide that raises all ships and that is a testament to the community that we have around us. Our team is grateful to Forbes for the recognition and we are only just getting started." Click to read more from this Ocra story as well as some insights into their executive mindsets.

Aligning Technology Trials with Operator Realities

Los Angeles, CA – ParkHelp, a global leader in intelligent parking solutions, today announced the launch of its Tariff Protection Plan (TPP), a forward-looking initiative to secure pricing for clients planning parking technology infrastructure projects in 2025 and 2026. The TPP provides cost certainty to parking owners by shielding them from potential dramatic cost increases caused by the implementation of tariffs on equipment built outside the United States. It has been reported that President-elect Trump has announced his intention to impose tariffs between 10% and as high as 60% as soon as January 26th, 2025. “The parking industry is technology-driven, and the imposition of these tariffs could have far-reaching consequences not just for parking owners, but for the industry itself,” said Colin Knell, President USA of ParkHelp Technologies. “The Tariff Protection Plan is a demonstration of ParkHelp’s dedication to our long-term partnerships with our customers. We are committed to their long-term success, and the TPP is designed to keep their smart parking projects moving forward while protecting them from cost increases that could undermine those projects.” By enrolling in the TPP, ParkHelp customers and prospective customers can lock in 2024 pricing for projects that are delivered in 2025 and 2026. The Tariff Protection Plan is designed to incentivize parking owners to future-proof their parking technology investments by mitigating the uncertainties they face in an evolving economic landscape. By locking in prices early, owners can gain financial predictability, enabling more effective strategic planning and ensuring that their projects remain on track and within budget. “For parking owners who are worried that their projects may be at risk, the TPP could be the answer to keeping those projects on track,” said Knell. “Owners don’t need to already be a ParkHelp customer to benefit from the TPP. Even if their projects are in the final stages of planning, we can work with owners to complete their smart parking projects on time and on budget.” To learn more about the Tariff Protection Plan, contact ParkHelp at https://www.parkhelp.com/contact/. About ParkHelp Technologies ParkHelp is one of the world’s leading providers of smart parking solutions, offering a range of innovative products designed to optimize parking management, improve the user experience, promote sustainable urban mobility, and help parking owners generate more revenue. The company manufactures, sells, and services advanced parking guidance systems (PGS), digital guidance signage, license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, and integrated software solutions tailored for diverse environments, including commercial complexes, shopping malls, hospitals, corporate campuses, airports, and municipalities. ParkHelp can be found online at www.parkhelp.com.

Stories of Innovation

Calabasas, CA – Frogparking is thrilled to announce an innovative partnership with The City of Calabasas. Frogparking, a leading provider of smart parking technology, is excited to enhance parking availability and efficiency across the city. This collaboration will introduce a multi-stage implementation of cutting-edge parking sensors, aimed at delivering real-time data and insights to optimize parking infrastructure. The first stage of this partnership involves the pilot installation of 48 state-of-the-art parking sensors and gateways outside City Hall. This initial phase will serve as a testbed to gather and evaluate crucial data on parking demand, utilization, and turnover. By providing real-time updates on parking availability, the pilot aims to improve the parking experience for residents and visitors alike. "We are excited to partner with Frogparking to bring innovative parking solutions to Calabasas. This initiative will not only enhance the parking experience for our residents and visitors but also provide us with essential data to make informed decisions for the future," said Michael Klein, Community Development Director, City of Calabasas. A key aspect of this partnership is the emphasis on data collection and analysis. Frogparking's system will provide the City of Calabasas with valuable insights into parking patterns, demand, and turnover rates. This data will empower city officials to make informed business decisions, optimize parking management strategies, and improve overall urban planning. "Frogparking is proud to collaborate with the City of Calabasas on this future-focused project. Our advanced technology will provide real-time parking information, making it easier for everyone to find parking and helping the city manage its resources more effectively," said Shareena Sandbrook, Chief Executive Officer of Frogparking. About Frogparking Frogparking is a leading provider of parking management technology, offering advanced tech to optimize parking infrastructure and improve urban mobility. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability and excellence, Frogparking delivers real-time data and insights that empower cities to make informed decisions and enhance the parking experience for all users.

We have components of an aging PARCS that are end-of-life, and our backs were up against the wall to get it replaced as soon as possible. Our PARCS was installed in 2008, and for the most part, we’ve been happy with the performance of the equipment and our vendor. The COVID pandemic threw a giant wrench in our PARCS replacement plan, which is how we ended up in this position. I’m sure many of you dread the thought of RFPs, even if you’re not completely satisfied with your PARCS vendor. As a county department, we have strict purchasing rules. However, we were able to utilize a “bid waiver” to procure new PARCS components from our current vendor without going through the RFP process. The bid waiver was approved through our governing processes as we were able to show significant cost savings and limited disruption by proving that the entire system did not need to be scrapped. We excluded non-revenue-related equipment in the specifications (such as barrier gates, fixed LPR cameras, and HID-only devices) and focused on equipment that was critical to revenue generation, like entry ticket kiosks and exit verifiers. Our existing HID-only gates will integrate into the new system. Our justification outlined this vendor’s capability to install new exit devices that could process entry tickets from the legacy system. We’re hoping for a seamless transition with minimal impact on customer service and day-to-day operations. Airport staff have a deep understanding of the current PARCS, which will help minimize training costs. We also perform the vast majority of maintenance in-house. Our Master Electricians maintain the parking equipment, which has allowed hardware failures to be resolved swiftly over the years. Mike Maromaty, CAPP, is an Airport Parking Manager at Dane County Regional Airport. Mike can be reached at Maromaty.Michael@msnairport.com.

Frogparking is proud to announce the successful installation of a world-first, customized parking guidance system at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). This pioneering system, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of the airport, is set to transform the parking experience for travelers. The Rochester Airport installation includes 1,323 parking spaces equipped with parking guidance technology and an integrated dynamic wayfinding signage package. This advanced system will assist the airport in efficiently guiding drivers to available spaces within its multi-level parking structures, which has been strategically divided into three sections. The implementation of this technology promises to deliver all the standard benefits of a guidance and wayfinding package, including improved utilization, reduced time to park, and decreased cruising within the structure. Responding to the airport's specific safety concerns, Frogparking engineered a unique form factor for its parking guidance system. To mitigate the risks posed by large bird populations nesting on flat surfaces - a significant hazard to aircraft - the system was redesigned to minimize potential nesting sites. Frogparking’s innovative solution positions the LiDAR sensor flush with the soffit and replaces the standard indicator with a sleek LED rope housed within a tube beneath the sensor assembly. This design not only ensures safety but also enhances the overall parking experience for travelers. “We are thrilled to have partnered with Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport to deliver this world-first parking guidance design,” said Shareena Sandbrook, CEO of Frogparking. “Our customized parking guidance system not only enhances the parking experience but also addresses critical safety concerns, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.” The installation at Rochester Airport marks another milestone in Frogparking's mission to revolutionize parking management through cutting-edge technology and tailored solutions. About Frogparking Frogparking is a leading provider of smart parking solutions, offering innovative technology designed to optimize parking management for cities, airports, universities, and businesses worldwide. With a focus on enhancing user experience and maximizing efficiency, Frogparking's systems are at the forefront of the parking industry.

My two truths and a lie: I became submarine and airborne qualified in the same summer. I am the 1975 U10 Mutton Busting Champion for Gallatin County, MT. I was once featured on the Travel Channel. The last one is true and quite an experience. I got to share some of the cool and up-and-coming technology for parking and mobility. That was over 10 years ago now, and some of the solutions have materialized (robotic parking), while others have not (3D holographic car locators). Throughout our industry's history, we've relied on technology and innovation to make the movement of people and goods more resource-efficient, convenient, safe, secure, and equitable.  You'll recognize this as the definition of Smart Transportation, and you can download IPMI's recent publication, Smart Transportation for Parking and Mobility Practitioners: Concepts, Applications and Case Studies to learn more.  This practical guide defines smart transportation and uses real-world and case studies to illustrate how technology can be used to achieve our most important parking and mobility management goals. Casey Jones, CAPP, is the Senior Director of Customer Success for Flash and a member of the IPMI Board of Directors. Casey can be reached at casey.jones@flashparking.com.

Enhanced Enforcement Efficiency Arrives in South Miami Known for its bustling shopping and dining scene, South Miami is taking parking management to the next level with Park Loyalty’s Enforce Pro®, enhancing accuracy, speed, and integration across its expanding ecosystem of parking technologies. South Miami has launched Park Loyalty’s Enforce Pro solution, entering a new era of parking efficiency that overcomes past challenges and positions the City to stay ahead. Facing system reliability issues and limited support for real-time integrations, South Miami required a robust, streamlined enforcement management system that could accommodate their expanded lineup of pay-by-cell providers, mobile LPR technology, and future permitting solutions. Park Loyalty’s Enforce Pro was selected not only as the enforcement solution but also as the ecosystem aggregator, bringing together multiple technologies to improve accuracy, speed, and overall efficiency. The performance numbers since launch underscore the effectiveness of the solution. Within 48 hours, city staff were fully adapted to the new system, issuing citations with unprecedented speed and precision. The average time to issue a citation now stands at just 35 seconds—more than twice as fast as with the previous system—while ticket void rates have dropped to less than 0.05%. This rapid adoption is a testament to the ease of Enforce Pro’s design and the reliability of the integrated systems, enabling South Miami to maintain smooth, efficient operations with minimal adjustment time. Park Loyalty is proud to partner with South Miami in their mission to bring innovative, reliable parking solutions to the community. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of our ecosystem partners—ParkMobile, PayByPhone, Passport, and Survision—whose technology integrations played a key role in making this launch a success. As South Miami moves forward with Enforce Pro, they are now well-positioned for future enhancements that will further streamline parking and improve service for residents and visitors alike. About Park Loyalty: https://parkloyalty.com/

West Chester, PA -- The Borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania has announced an exciting upgrade to its parking system in partnership with Butts Ticket Systems and Flowbird Group, the leader in curbside management and urban mobility solutions. The Borough has updated its parking system with modernized touch-screen pay-by-plate parking kiosks, fully equipped with the industry’s latest technology, and two new mobile payment options – The Flowbird Mobile App and Pay-by-Text. The new parking system will feature parking kiosks with a 9.7” full color touch display. The touch screen has the look and feel of a tablet, walking users step-by-step through the transaction process. The kiosks will also allow for credit card payments as well as contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. The environmentally friendly kiosks are solar powered - saving the Borough from any additional infrastructure costs - and paperless, allowing users to opt for text receipts instead. The new parking kiosks will use a ‘pay-by-plate’ parking system. This means that users will not be required to return to their car to display a receipt on the dashboard. Instead, all they need is their license plate information. The Borough is also excited to announce the release of two other digital parking solutions; The Flowbird Mobile App and Pay-by-Text! Those who used the Flowbird App on West Chester University’s campus will now be able to use the app downtown! The Flowbird App allows patrons to pay for parking from their mobile devices, receive text notifications when parking time is about to expire, and extend their time without having to visit a parking kiosk. The app features a map-based user interface, integrated with Waze and other navigation systems, to guide users to their preferred parking location. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. In addition to the app, users can also use the Pay-by-Text functionality to make faster, easier payments! Pay-By-Text is an easy-to-use web-based solution that allows drivers to pay for their parking session without creating an account or downloading an app! Users can simply send a text with their parking code to 727563, and Flowbird will respond with a secure payment link. (The location parking code will be posted on-street signs and nearby parking kiosks!) Once the license plate and credit card information are entered, they’re all set! By implementing modernized parking solutions with convenient payment options, the Borough of West Chester will be able to better manage parking turnover and visitor influx during peak periods and provide a more user-friendly experience. The addition of digital payment options will bring a consistent and higher level of customer service to the parking public. About Flowbird FLOWBIRD operates in 4,350 towns and cities across 80 countries. The company is constantly innovating and breaking new ground to help provide solutions. Its mission is to facilitate the individual journey and maximize a city’s unique mobility potential, while considering all city stakeholders and end-user experiences. Through its devices, elite service platform and teams, Flowbird enables a new era for maximizing urban harmony and value throughout the city’s core.