Seattle Modernizes Smart Parking with a Fully Integrated Ecosystem

How a fully integrated and customized Smart Parking solution streamlined enforcement, increased efficiencies, and enhanced the user experience.

A major port of entry to Asia and Alaska, the City of Seattle, Washington, is a world-leading hub for the arts, music, and internet-based commerce. From breath-taking natural beauty to world-class attractions, the city draws millions of visitors and new residents each year. 

As featured in a recent IPMI Learning Lab, Smart Cities, like Seattle, aim to leverage Smart Parking technology to deliver a frictionless parking experience. To help balance traffic, support business vitality, and provide a more convenient parking experience, the city sought to upgrade its 2,200 existing pay stations, convert its parking network from pay-and-display to a pay-by-plate system, and integrate its third-party solution into a fully customizable Smart Parking ecosystem.

Says Margo Polly, Strategic Advisor for Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Curbside Management: 

“We used to operate a pay-and-display parking network that required changing decals at pay stations to inform motorists of changing rates and other announcements. We also struggled with latency issues from older pay stations that didn’t report paid citations in real time. We needed to upgrade and integrate our technology into a solution that allowed for flexibility, customization, and remote configuration.”

RFP + On-Street Trial Guides City To The Right Choice

During the Request for Proposal period, the City conducted an on-street trial where residents could test different vendors’ pay stations and were then asked to fill out a survey to provide feedback on specific pay station features, such as:

• Menu flow 
• Ease-of-use 
• User interface 
• General aesthetic appeal 
• Downlight feature (for nighttime display)

By the end of the survey, the public chose the IPS MS1™ Pay Station as their favorite, as it provided the easiest and most convenient parking experience. 

A Smart Parking Solution To Meet Seattle’s Unique Needs

The new MS1™ Pay Stations and Upgrade Kits allow for multiple payment options and provide real-time occupancy data that help optimize enforcement, identify latency, and allow for custom digital announcements (such as price structures per day and area) that can be displayed directly on the screen.

During a five-month period, IPS Group created 150 extensive configurations to help the City convert its MS1™ Pay Stations from a pay-and-display to a pay-by-plate system and streamline the City’s 40,000+ monthly transactions. 

IPS Group also supports the City’s complex and robust data-driven rate system, where each neighborhood offers its own rate, based on the time of day. This includes support for multiple rate changes throughout the year. Dynamic rate structures improve parking access by adjusting to demand and reducing circling of vehicles looking for parking. This in turn reduces carbon emissions.

Results: Maximized Resources And Improved Efficiencies 

• Upgrade to 4G technology reduced latency issues by 99.9%
• Customized reports reduced citation processing errors to less than 1%
• Third-party integration maximizes resources and improves efficiencies
• IPS Upgrade Kits implemented at a quarter of the cost of installing a new pay station
• Reduced disputable citations, optimized Smart Parking system, and improved public acceptance

With A Trusted Partner, The Future Looks Bright

Says Mike Estey, Manager of Curbside Management, SDOT: 

“We strongly believe IPS Group is a true leader in parking technology and data management systems. Together, we have built a parking system that is ready for the future, and a strong, durable partnership.”

IPS Group’s technological expertise and the collaborative relationship have positioned the City of Seattle for a future of continued innovation in curb management. That vision of the future includes a virtual permitting world where limited curb space is optimized for high-priority access.

IPS Group has delivered Smart City technology solutions for over 20 years. Learn how IPS Group’s Fully Integrated Smart Parking Solutions can help your city or community maximize resources, improve efficiencies, and contribute to a more sustainable way of urban living. Click here to schedule a demo today.