Effectiveness of a Real-Time Parking Guidance System

An efficient parking monitoring system can significantly improve parking facilities' operation at high-traffic locations such as transport hubs, cities, and schools. Inefficient parking availability forces drivers to circle around congested areas searching for parking spots, thus adding to the existing congestion. Agencies managing parking facilities face challenges in controlling emissions and providing an acceptable service besides congestion. Recent developments indicate that Real-Time Parking Guidance (RTPG) systems could be a solution to these problems. We provide findings from a study conducted at California State University Fullerton's (CSUF's) parking lot to determine the effectiveness of an RTPG system. The results show that real-time RTPG systems reduce time to find parking spots and can be a useful tool in reducing overall congestion. The study also finds that the effectiveness of RTPG system is a function of market penetration. The RPTG system also reduces taxiing in parking lots, provides tool for congestion pricing, and better parking management.