It seems hard to believe that I spent the past 33 years involved in industries that move people around from one place to another. During that time, I stepped away from parking for a few years but remained in business development, airports operation, and finding ways to move people cost efficiently. Mobility has always been at the core of my experiences. What I see now is a metamorphosis of our industry and requires we all stay engaged in exploring new ideas and modes of travel.

The world’s view on mobility is changing in the broadest sense of the meaning. Modernizing and managing mobility is a huge business. Whether it is a vendor service pushing wheelchairs in airports, the monitoring scooter and bike rentals, or providing shuttle services for airports and cities, increasing awareness of transportation is done on a micromobility level in today’s world. What does that mean to those of us spending time in this whacky world? It means that we have to look deep into the ways and means of local operations, strive to improve equitable access, and be the progressive voice that encourages these types of infrastructure changes.

Buy why do we need to take this action? Because if we do not expand our thinking about how to connect mobility options, equipment interfaces, and the people we serve, then we will stand to be left behind in the biggest paradigm shift of our industry. Today’s service includes trollies and scooters. Tomorrow’s innovation might be selective advanced parking of on-street spaces. Advancing the means of more efficient use of alternative modes, such as electric charging spots, or finding the nearest scooter parking hub, or aligning the best schedule for travel that mitigates roads congestion can lead us to more productive and enjoyable lives. And let’s not forget the exciting potential of using parking facilities around the world for drone remote deliveries. It is an exciting time that we live in!

As one of the winners of the 2022 Awards of Excellence in Innovation in a Mobility, Transportation, or Parking Program, I can tell you it was a very proud moment for my municipality. The vision and effort to shift their mindset from old traditional concepts of transportation to meeting the public’s growing need for new mobility options paid off. Thousands of would-be drivers now opt everyday to use alternative modes to get around the city.

Still, it comes down to understanding the customer’s need, and passionately going after fulfillment of their needs. Whether in the business for three years or 33 years, lean in on the metamorphosis of our business and get engaged. Theirs is so much to do! ◆