Parking 2.0

A new report of the US Department of Transportation entitled Advanced Parking Management Systems: A Cross-Cutting Study is available online in web and PDF format. I’ve just skimmed the report so far, and while I’ve noticed a number of inaccuracies, missing vendors, and missing projects, it still seems like a useful overview.

I’m a big fan of the latest parking innovation at airports - small, free parking lots, near the terminal, that are for short-term use by people in their cars coming to pick-up friends and relatives. The rules for these lots typically include a 1/2 - 1 hour maximum stay, and a requirement that the driver remain with the car. When the traveller arrives and gets their bags, they call their “driver” to come pick them up. These lots will eventually significantly reduce the number of cars “circling” the terminal, causing traffic congestion and burning fuel.

Now I read that the Orlando International Airport Offers Wi-Fi For Drivers waiting in the “park and call” lot. Presumably the drivers will use this wireless internet service with their laptops to keep themselves informed (of flight arrival times) and entertained (YouTube?) while they wait. Brilliant! As long as the airport adequately promotes this amenity through new signs, I’m sure the park and call lot at OIA will be very popular.