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As we continue to navigate the current pandemic, it’s important to consider how this global outbreak has impacted the parking industry in more ways than one. Being that COVID-19 is a short-term circumstance, its effects have sparked some serious considerations for the long-term strategy of many parking facilities. Although lockdowns are resuming and public transportation continues to be under-utilized, it’s still essential for parking managers to be responsive, while considering their long-term parking strategy at the same time. Here are some of the ways parking managers can pivot and reposition themselves for the future:‍

Provide contactless solutions‍

In any parking facility, there are a number of touch points that are frequently used by visitors, residents, staff and enforcement officers. These surfaces are often located at entry and exit gates, payment meters and other access points, which are all potential areas of contamination. Thanks to technology, however, there are proactive measures that enforcement officers and parking organizations can use to address this challenge. By utilizing contactless solutions such as touchless payment, LPR scanning features and digital chalking, both parkers and enforcement officers can conveniently interact in a safer and sanitary manner. 

Although COVID-19 will eventually disappear, it is safe to say that the health and safety measures required at this time are likely to continue in the future. That said, parking organizations need to approach this concern with a long-term mindset. Having parking software tools that promote and facilitate touchless capabilities will continue to be an important asset.

Allocate more parking spaces

While working from home has become common over the last 10 months, we expect that many workplaces will eventually require employees to return to their physical offices, which means they will need space to park their cars. Those employees who once relied on public transportation to commute to work, may choose to take their own vehicle to avoid larger crowds and reduce potential health concerns that come with public transit. As a result, parking availability may become a bigger consideration as more space may be required to accommodate a potentially higher volume of vehicles.  ‍

Repurpose parking resources

In the event that some businesses decide to permanently operate virtually, property managers may need to consider repurposing their parking facilities. Almost certainly, there will be situations where, for financial reasons, it makes sense for companies to change the way they interact with their personnel. Consequently, some parking lots and parking garages will see significant increases in vacancy and therefore potentially serious reductions in parking income. In this situation, organizations will need to reassess their parking resources and find alternative ways to grow their revenue. 

As COVID-19 continues to impact the economy and the way many people do business over the long-term, it will eventually become a thing of the past. As it relates to parking, it’s important for parking managers to anticipate a change in parking behaviour moving forward and be proactive as they prepare for a return to standard volumes.