Waiting in endless queues to pay and park can be an extremely frustrating and time-consuming experience for drivers. Parking lot management companies, too, are at their wit’s end managing the heavy inflow of cars in the parking lot, especially during peak hours. Implementing a gateless parking lot management system will help both parties resolve their parking-related problems.
With the rapidly developing technologically advanced smart cities, parking lot management companies are working toward integrating AI-based softwares to improve their services. Also, in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, companies are leveraging technology to provide contactless services to their customers, keeping their health and wellness in mind. Parking lot operators are no exception.
Benefits of Implementing Gateless Parking Lot Management
Gateless parking is a technology-driven solution that eliminates the need for physical barriers like gates and ticketing machines. It can streamline parking operations and reduce traffic congestion by facilitating smooth entry and exit of cars in the parking lot. Other benefits of gateless parking lot management include the following:
Seamless Parking Experience
Gateless parking is a viable option for densely populated cities as it offers a seamless parking experience to the users, eliminating the need to wait in line for payment while entering and exiting gates. It reduces bottlenecks in parking, noise and carbon emissions caused by queuing at parking facilities. Gateless systems are automated, minimizing friction between drivers and parking operators.
Reduced Costs
Adopting gateless parking eliminates the need to invest in expensive gated infrastructure when constructing or upgrading a facility. It also reduces maintenance expenses. Not only does a gateless parking lot help operators save money, but it also enables drivers to save. On average, users overpay for parking by $97 per year. Implementing a gateless parking model will allow drivers to pay the exact amount for the duration they utilize as they exit the facility.
Enhanced Staffing Options
In conventional parking systems, one or more employees are usually stationed at the gates to control and assist with the entry and exit of vehicles. However, the staff member’s role becomes flexible in a gateless system. They are no longer bound to a specific location within the facility. This flexibility allows them to be available for supporting operations and be readily accessible to drivers seeking assistance. This fosters a sense of safety and goodwill throughout the property. The staff members can be strategically deployed to generate additional revenue streams, such as offering valet or car washing services. This diversification of services enhances the overall customer experience and opens avenues for increased profitability.
Improved Revenue Management
A gateless parking system is integrated with License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, mobile payment applications and other data-driven tools. These tools help in effectively identifying license plates, cross-referencing them with an authorized user database, and tracking parking durations for accurate billings. This helps parking operators improve revenue management. Implementing LPR technology also facilitates ticketless parking, providing a seamless experience for drivers.
With the benefits mentioned above, it can be asserted that a gateless parking lot management system is the future of parking in smart cities. It is a fully automated parking management system, reducing dependency on human resources. Besides improving the overall parking experience, the gateless parking lot management system also helps operators generate more revenue by implementing dynamic pricing models.