Intelligent Transportation Systems for Parking

Michigan Transportation Engineering Conference

December 2, 2015

Presented by Andrew J. Vidor

Presentation Summary

Automated parking guidance systems (APGS), are a form of ITS. APGS have varying levels of technology that can be deployed depending on the circumstance. The most basic is facility availability counts which can be displayed at entrance to a parking facility or along the roadway network. These systems are also used for on-street parking, whereas, the parking availability on any block can be viewed via an app. These systems, in the transportation industry can reduce traffic congestion, vehicle emissions and search time for a parking space. The presentation provides an overview of the varying types of automated parking guidance systems and their benefits to the transportation industry.

The Stats

135MPassenger vehicles registered in the US

>7M Registered in

Michigan & most of the time they

are parked

The Stats

~105MParking spaces

in the US

Although sometimes it’s

hard to find one!

Today’s Discussion

Types of automated parking guidance systems

How the systems work

Benefits to transportation industry

An automated parking guidance system (APGS) is an intelligent transportation system technology whereas the presence of parked vehicles is monitored in real-time. The information is then communicated to drivers through a serves of dynamic messaging signs.

Automated Parking Guidance System

Definition

Helping drivers find a place to park quicker and more conveniently.

What its used for

Driver Benefits

Less hassle parking

Less vehicle congestion Increased convenience

Reduced cruising

Drivers can choose parking in advance of arriving at facility based on availability

Quicker start to the purpose of the trip (shopping, catching a flight, preparing for a meeting)

Shorter time to park

Less stress placed on parking

Owner Benefits

More efficient use of parking facility

Better knowledge of customers

Fill more parking space

Reduced cruising

Improved customer & tenant satisfaction

Reduced emissions & fuel consumption

Less vehicle congestion

Transportation Industry Benefits

Less vehicle congestion

Reduced cruising

Reduced emissions

Reduced fuel consumption

Facility parking availability

Zone/level parking availability

Individual space parking availability

SIMPLISTIC

COMPLEX

Varying Levels of Complexity

How it works: Counting the Vehicles

Primary technologies used to count vehicles3

Loop Detectors Ultrasonic Sensors21 Magnetic Sensors3

How it works: Communicating Data

Wireless data communication typical between signs and server:

• Reduces cost compared to hard wiring• Flexible design options• Repeaters may be necessary depending on

distance to signs or line of sight

Cellular communication available for longer distances or where wireless is not available

Radio communication also available; however, not widely used

APGS software calculates parking availability then sends message to dynamic signs located in advance of driver’s decision point.

How it works: Facility Parking Availability

Same method as facility status; however, additional count points are provided to obtain more detailed parking availability by level or zone.

Parking availability by zone examples include:• ADA accessible parking spaces• Reserved parking• Visitor or employee parking

How it works: Level/Zone Parking Availability

Parking availability is displayed on a space by space basis using sensors/cameras located at each parking space.

Ultrasonic Sensor

How it works: Individual Space Parking Availability

Camera Sensor

• Less accurate (95%+)

• Integrates with parking guidance signs

• Latest technology

• “Find Your Car” – annual reoccurring fee for service

• Provide length of stay data

• Customer profiling

• Other “bells and whistles” not available yet

• More accurate (98%+)

• Integrates with parking guidance signs

• Red/green lights only

• Proven technology with many installations

Sensor Type Comparison

Ultrasonic Sensors Cameras

What Does it Cost?

Is individual space availability cost-effective?

$400 to $700+/parking stall

Low end:

System has less count point and

signs

High end:

Individual space guidance with

plenty of signage indicating

where available parking is

$

Does it Work??

YES! But…

It Does... It Does not...

• Depend upon drivers

• Seeing the sign

• Believing the message

• Following the directions

• Work best with high turn-over

facilities, complex search patterns or

when every space needs to be filled

• Requires regular maintenance and

calibration; If not calibrated,

patrons lose confidence and system

is ultimately ignored

• Correct poor wayfinding of a

poor design

Questions

Andrew J. Vidor

andrew.vidor@walkerparking.com

Walker Parking Consultants2121 Hudson AveKalamazoo, MI 49008810.265.2639