October and November were busy months at Parking Network as we took our Airport Parking Network Event online for the very first time. For 12 years, this networking event has helped connect the airport parking community, giving them space to discuss common problems and generate solutions together. Aside from our event, we also heard lots from our parking experts during a series of Quick Questions and In the Spotlight videos. So read on for the latest from us, headlines from the industry, and anything else you might have missed the past couple of months.
From the Parking Network Team
In November we hosted a special virtual edition of our Airport Parking Network Event to bring the airport parking community back together after a challenging year. With peer-led discussions, interactive workshops, and one-to-one meetings, the two-day event gave airport parking managers and our Parking Network Business Members the opportunity to address key issues facing the industry.
Earlier in the year, we took a look at how parking facilities were repurposing their lots during the coronavirus pandemic, and as we head into the holiday season we decided to revisit the topic. It seems there are plenty of inventive ideas out there; from drive-thru light shows to drive-in pantomimes, parking facilities across niches, and around the world are undergoing a magical winter transformation.
There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the contactless technology trend. But with so many facilities adopting touchless solutions to give their parking customers peace of mind we asked our parking experts if there would be less opportunity to go above and beyond for customers. Check out the full blog post to see how contactless technology is providing parking owners, operators, and managers with the opportunity to improve the customer experience and bring added value.
Many of our Quick Questions over the past couple of months have focused on the coronavirus pandemic, and in November we continued the series by asking what silver linings might have come from it. Our parking experts shared their positive experiences, from the benefits of working from home to the chance to optimize business practices and improve the customer experience through contactless technologies.
Caught on Camera
Two of our members went In the Spotlight during the past two months. Innova told us more about the role of deep learning and artificial intelligence in their product portfolio whilst Universal Boot offered their insight into enforcement, booting, and what they have to offer the industry.
Headlines
Financial News and Acquisitions
Cleverciti has secured $5.6 million in an A+ funding round helping the company to accelerate the deployment of their smart parking solutions in cities, park & rides, shopping malls, hospitals, and campuses.
A multi-million euro investment has also helped Peter Park in their mission to transform parking lots into mobility hubs and unlock the potential for optimizing inner-city space.
Worldline has acquired Ingenico to create a new world-class leader in payment services, advancing the electronic payments revolution.
Product Launch Podium
T2 Systems and TEZ have joined forces to launch T2 MobilePay, a simple and convenient way to pay for parking. With no app to download, users simply text an SMS shortcode or scan a QR code to access an online payment portal.
A new end-to-end solution from Urbiotica is helping to control the use of parking spaces reserved for loading, electric vehicles, and users with reduced mobility. Through the use of sensors, an app, and a monitoring platform, infractions can be easily detected and dealt with.
Third-generation, eco-thermal cameras from Dahua Technology are increasing security and safety in parking garages.
TagMaster has launched a new family of advanced ANPR cameras. The TagMaster CT family is IP-based with software that enables solutions based on AI and deep learning that can control barriers, alarm management, and ticketing integration.
New Faces
Erik Stronk has replaced Erik Dijkshoorn as the CEO of WPS Group, bringing with him strong experiences in the B2B field and the motivation to strengthen WPS Group’s international presence.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Parker Technology and Access Professional Systems (APS) are working together to combine access and revenue control equipment with flexible customer service for parking operators and owners.
SWARCO and Parkopedia will share parking data in Europe to provide a premium parking experience for drivers and greater insight for parking operators looking to manage their spaces more efficiently.
A partnership between Passport and iAccess Life is helping to accessible parking to communities across the US. iAccess, an app that lets users with disabilities rate, review, and research places they go to regularly will work with Passport to make parking easier to find and pay for.
ParkMobile is set to enable parking payments in over 240 cities across the US by seamlessly integrating with the Google Pay app. To make a parking payment, users simply enter the Google Pay app enter the parking zone and space number, add the time, and finish the payment.
Welcome Aboard
.png "Rekor")
Rekor Systems Inc, in conjunction with its OpenALPR suite of solutions, strives to be the leading company providing cutting-edge technology using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data to solve complex problems in public safety, smart cities, and customer experience.
