On-Street Parking Operations:

Robert Spillar, P.E.Director of TransportationFebruary 2009

Austin Parking Enterprise

Recommendation to ReplaceExisting Parking Meters

On-Street Parking Meters

Problem

– 3,800 single space meters - expected operational life of 10 years

– Most City meters in operation 13 years

– 16,000+ meter failures in 2008 – 2009

– System failing, needs immediate replacement

On-Street Parking Meters

Problem

16,000+ meter

failures in

’08-‘09 equals

$135,000 lost

revenue in

meter fares

and labor costs

On-Street Parking Meters

Solution

Pay and Display stations technology:

– Replaces 8 -11 meters with one station

– ADA benefit of reduced on-street clutter

– Uses credit and debit cards

– Potential distribution of transit tickets

– Fully solar-powered technology

– Wireless reporting/back office system

– Proven technology, used in other cities

Advantages of Pay Station• Decreased maintenance

– New meters to have full five year warranty, wireless communications for coin box

levels tells us when to collect

• Increase in revenue– Increased purchase time, more cars in

spaces, no time left on meter

• Driver advantages – Time purchased can be used at multiple

parking spaces, tickets used for receipt

• Great Streets Program revenue increases– 30% of downtown collection goes to GSP

• Meter payoff in 8 years, 15 year life cycle

• Motorcycles/bikes park free for 12 hours

Vendor Selection Process

• RFI for qualified vendors issued Oct. 2008

• “Piggyback” on existing contract with another city– Shortens acquisition process by 12 months

• Five vendors responded, three vendors interviewed: Cale, Parkeon and Metric

– All three had similar technology features, years in business, price ranges

– Two had existing contracts with other cities for piggyback arrangement

– Staff recommendation issued with Council agenda

Future Considerations

Technology benefits of pay stations

– Use for transit ticket sales

– Available for use with PARD, public boat ramps, city garages and other collection opportunities

– Interoperability with TXTAG or other system

– Opportunity to create single system from customer perspective, e.g. UT, State systems

– Capability to immediately pay parking fines at Pay Station

– Cell phone technology for secure credit transactions (on market in 2009)

Community Outreach

Transportation Dept. briefed reps of:

• Downtown Austin Alliance• The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce• The West End Austin Alliance• University Neighborhood Overlay Committee

• Media releases, public education planned for new meters launch - June 2009 before installation in Sept. 2009.

Pay Station Council Action

Four connected RCAs– Parking Ordinance - changes define pay stations as

allowable device for parking management and allow City traffic engineer to determine location, time limit, days and hours of pay stations operation

– Budget Amendment – use of unused bond proceeds for purchase and financing

– Purchasing – vendor acquisition process and purchase recommendation

– Interlocal Agreement- w/other city for purchase

Next Steps for Pay Stations

Council Action

Interlocal Agreement

Contract

with Vendor

Community/

Media Education

Pay Station

Installation

2009 Activities Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec