The main purpose of parking guidance is quite simple – give your parkers the best data to make the most informed decisions before they travel or search for a spot. Have you thought of giving better data to parkers based on where they are? Should everyone see the same occupancy levels no matter where they are seeing it from?
The closer the better
The prevalence of counting or guidance technologies creates a unique opportunity for asset owners/ managers to segment their customers into groups based on proximity. The relative distance between parkers and their destination is a major consideration in terms of real-time occupancy value. If you’re headed to the Superbowl and find out there are 5 spaces available in the closest parking lot when you are still 20 miles away, is that data relevant? Maybe for some, but it’s mostly important for those a few blocks away.
In terms of reducing traffic and congestion, providing proximity-gauged data can help prevent cars from driving to places where there isn’t sufficient capacity. Ideally, guidance systems should be able to send different occupancy levels to different drivers based on their location – so the person in front of the lot can see there is 5-10 spaces available, and the person 15 minutes away should be notified that the lot is nearly full. More importantly, the data should also be coordinated across apps, signs and navigation systems to ensure traffic goals are met.
Time is always of the essence
Segmenting data this way has great value for university campuses in directing students and staff during peak ingress periods. By leading drivers to facilities with the greatest likelihood of finding a space, students and professors can be prevented from being late to class.
Similarly, in commuter parking facilities, managers can actively reduce traffic and vehicle miles travelled. Commuters are often working on a tight schedule and can greatly benefit from proximity-based data. If a commuter facility fills up its remaining 20% in under 5 minutes during peak ingress, indicating full occupancy to drivers even who are 5 minutes away can improve customer service and better manage traffic levels.
