Tag Archives for: apps

The Cities of the Future Index: Easypark

October 14, 2021

 

 

The Cities of the Future Index: Easypark

 

 

The global study uses data to reveal the smartest cities in the world, with a focus on how they are adopting new technologies to create a more sustainable and liveable present and future for their citizens.

  • London, UK, ranks as the most intelligent and future-proof city with a population of over 3 million people, followed by New York, USA, and San Francisco, USA. 
  • Copenhagen, Denmark, ranks as the most intelligent and future-proof city with a population of between 600,000 and 3 million people, followed by Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway.
  • Lund, Sweden, ranks as the most intelligent and future-proof city with a population of between 50,000 and 600,000 people, followed by Stavanger, Norway, and Espoo, Finland.

 

 

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 13, 2021  — EasyPark Group, the global parking tech company, releases a study about the most intelligent and future-proof cities in the world that reveals which cities are best adopting new technological solutions to improve their sustainability and liveability. As mobility innovators, EasyPark Group recognizes the impact that new technologies have on societies, and how it can help to create sustainable and forward thinking urban areas that enhance the lives of their inhabitants. The company therefore set out to determine which global smart cities are leading the way in embracing technological advancements, and proving themselves to be Cities of the Future.

– Many governments are stepping up their responses to climate change and innovative solutions often begin in major cities before filtering out to the rest of the country. Many of the highest scoring cities in the index score well for high electric car usage and low CO2 emissions rates, and while cities continue to expand, mobility is taking on an increasingly important role in people’s day to day lives. Whilst the world faces challenges relating to climate change, some of the most technologically advanced cities around the world have already adopted innovative services and solutions to optimize traffic flow and ease mobility, to make the city more liveable, says Johan Birgersson, CEO of EasyPark Group.

How the study was conducted

The study began by assessing several thousand cities around the world and looked at those smart cities that are leading the way in implementing the use of new technologies. Understanding that cities face different challenges depending on their population, the study was split into three size categories: 1) metropolitan areas with over 3 million inhabitants, 2) between 600,000 and 3 million inhabitants, and 3) between 50,000 and 600,000 inhabitants. The result of the study reveals the top 50 highest ranking smart and future-proof cities worldwide in each category.

The study established the factors that determine how technologically advanced and sustainable a city is and scored the locations accordingly. To do this, the study retrieved data from sources such as the World Bank, the Economist, the International Monetary Fund and the Lancet. Four key areas were considered:

Firstly, the Digital Life of each city is studied by assessing how widely technology has been adopted by the population, the government and within the healthcare sector. It also reviews the success and reputation of technology educational institutions in each urban area.

Next, the study focus on Mobility Innovation. To do this, researchers looked at how innovative parking solutions are within each city, the overall traffic management system including public transport, and how clean transport in the city is.

Following this, the study considers each city’s Business Tech Infrastructure. To do this, the level of business innovation, prevalence of ePayments and quality of internet connectivity in each location is measured.

Finally, the Environmental Sustainability of each city is evaluated by analysing green energy usage, the number of green buildings, the waste management system and the overall climate change response and planning.

Findings (for full index: www.easyparkgroup.com/studies/cities-of-the-future/en/)

Below list shows the world’s leading big cities with over 3 million inhabitants. All factors combined, these cities are the best at adopting new technologies to create a more sustainable and liveable present and future for their citizens.

  1. London, UK  100,00
  2. New York, USA  95,84
  3. San Francisco, USA  94,43
  4. Singapore, Singapore  94,21
  5. Berlin, Germany  92,58
  6. Rotterdam, Netherlands  91,44
  7. Seattle, USA  90,40
  8. Seoul, South Korea  87,50
  9. Washington D.C., USA  86,77
  10. Manchester, UK  85,34

Below lists show the world’s leading medium and smaller sized cities. All factors combined, these cities are the best at adopting new technologies to create a more sustainable and liveable present and future for their citizens.

Population between 600,000 and 3 million

  1. Copenhagen, Denmark  100,00
  2. Stockholm, Sweden  99,84
  3. Oslo, Norway  98,48
  4. Amsterdam, Netherlands  96,57
  5. Zurich, Switzerland  94,04
  6. Gothenburg, Sweden  88,93
  7. Helsinki, Finland  87,92
  8. Boston, USA  84,65
  9. Utrecht, Netherlands  83,13
  10. Edinburgh, UK  79,82

Population between 50,000 and 600,000

  1. Lund, Sweden  100,00
  2. Stavanger, Norway  88,75
  3. Espoo, Finland  88,07
  4. Malmo, Sweden  87,49
  5. Aalborg, Denmark  87,09
  6. Aarhus, Denmark  86,88
  7. Trondheim, Norway  85,25
  8. Bergen, Norway  84,77
  9. Porvoo, Finland  81,35
  10. Cambridge, UK  81,17

Below list shows the best ranking big cities (population over 3 million) within the area of green energy. A higher score indicates a higher usage of energy from renewable sources.

  1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  100,00
  2. Seattle, USA  91,96
  3. Montreal, Canada  85,62
  4. Toronto, Canada  85,62
  5. Santiago, Chile  77,06
  6. San Diego, USA  74,92
  7. San Francisco, USA  74,92
  8. Los Angeles, USA  74,92
  9. Berlin, Germany  72,95
  10. Cologne (Cologne Bonn Area), Germany  72,95

Below list shows the big cities (population over 3 million) where citizens are best at adopting new technologies. A higher score indicates a faster rate of adopting new technologies in each location.

  1. San Francisco, USA  100,00
  2. New York, USA  93,62
  3. Seoul, South Korea  91,33
  4. Washington D.C., USA  90,92
  5. Berlin, Germany  89,82
  6. Seattle, USA  89,55
  7. Atlanta, USA  89,29
  8. Miami, USA  89,05
  9. Singapore, Singapore  88,98
  10. Toronto, Canada  88,69

Below list shows the best ranking big cities (population over 3 million) within parking innovation. A higher score indicates a more developed parking ecosystem in each location.

  1. London, UK  100,00
  2. Manchester, UK  94,63
  3. Berlin, Germany  92,42
  4. Paris, France 91,31
  5. Tokyo, Japan 87,34
  6. Rotterdam, Netherlands 86,00
  7. San Francisco, USA 85,59
  8. Barcelona, Spain  84,95
  9. Madrid, Spain  84,30
  10. Cologne (Cologne Bonn Area), Germany  83,77

– It is interesting to see patterns in development forming within continents. Whilst metropolitan areas in Europe score well across the various size categories, the study shows that Scandinavian cities all rank particularly highly. It is evident that these countries are at the cutting edge of adopting new technologies. Looking at urban areas with between 600,000 and 3 million inhabitants, 50 percent of the top 10 cities are in Scandinavia. This is also the case for cities with between 50,000 and 600,000 inhabitants, where 90 percent of the top 10 are from these countries. It is clear that Scandinavian nations are doing all they can to provide sustainable and liveable environments for their citizens, concludes Johan Birgersson, CEO of EasyPark Group.

Read more about the Cities of the Future Index and see the full ranking here: www.easyparkgroup.com/studies/cities-of-the-future/en/

 

 

ParkMobile Announces Partnership with the City of Auburn, AL to Offer Contactless Parking Payments

September 21, 2021

 

 

 

ParkMobile Announces Partnership with the City of Auburn, AL to Offer Contactless Parking Payments

 

 

The new partnership offers a safe, convenient way to pay for parking throughout the city using any mobile device.

 

 

Auburn, AL – September 21, 2021 – ParkMobile, the #1 parking app in the U.S, announced that it will be expanding its services in the City of Auburn, AL. This partnership with ParkMobile helps with Auburn’s plan to expand contactless parking payment options throughout the city by offering over 400 on-street parking spaces for on-demand parking.

 

ParkMobile has over 27 million users across North America and is available for both iPhone and Android devices. ParkMobile can also be accessed on a mobile web browser for those who do not want to download an app. To pay for parking using the mobile or web app, a user enters the zone number posted on signs around the parking spot, selects the amount of time needed, and touches the “Start Parking” button to begin the session. The user can also extend the time of the parking session on their mobile device

 

Auburn marks ParkMobile’s fifth location in Alabama, with over 157,000 users in the state. The app also services other spots in Alabama, including Montgomery, Birmingham, and The University of Alabama. The ParkMobile app can be used to pay for parking in over 450 cities in the U.S. including many in the South such as Atlanta, Nashville, and Jackson.

 

“We’re excited to simplify parking in downtown Auburn by offering downtown visitors the option to pay right from their mobile devices,” said Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch.

 

“ParkMobile helps expand our payment options, providing a contactless service that will make parking in downtown even easier.”

 

“ParkMobile is proud to add the City of Auburn to our growing list of markets, providing residents and visitors an easy and safe way to park,” says Jeff Perkins, CEO of ParkMobile. “The addition of this market further lends to our goal of making parking as easy and contactless as possible.”

 

About ParkMobile: ParkMobile, LLC is the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in North America, using a contactless approach to help millions of people easily find, reserve, and pay for parking on their mobile devices. The company’s technology is used in thousands of locations across the country, including 8 of the top 10 cities as well as college campuses, airports, and stadiums. People can use ParkMobile solutions to quickly pay for on-street and off-street parking without having to use a meter or kiosk. Additionally, ParkMobile offers parking reservations at stadium venues for concerts and sporting events. Reservations are also available in metro area garages, allowing people to drive into the city without having to worry about finding parking. ParkMobile has been named to the Inc. 5000, Deloitte Fast 500, Smart Cities Connect “Smart 50,” and the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Top Workplaces. Additionally, the company won the 2020 Stevie Awards for Achievement in Product Innovation and the 2019 Stevie Awards for Most Innovative Tech Company and Best Travel App. For more information, visit ParkMobile.io or @ParkMobile on Twitter.

 

ParkMobile Contact: Mark Lister, SVP of Marketing, mark.lister@parkmobile.io

 

City of Auburn Contact: Kevin R. Howard, Commercial Development Director, khoward@auburnalabama.org

 

 

 

PayByPhone Celebrates Local by Launching A San Francisco Block Party

September 14, 2021

 

 

PayByPhone Celebrates Local by Launching A San Francisco Block Party

 

 

 

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA  – PayByPhone, the world’s leading mobile parking payment company, introduces their fourth PayByPhone Block Party of the year – a chance for PayByPhone to celebrate their favourite local artists, businesses and creators in the communities that they’re so proud to be a part of – PayByPhone will be activating in the City of San Francisco, CA.

The City of San Francisco is home to a plethora of local entrepreneurs, artists, and creators, providing unique and diverse services to the community, with their inspiration stemming from the culture, lifestyle, beauty the city and the people have to offer.

 

PayByPhone will be hosting a giveaway with some very special local items sourced from businesses right down the block from the locals of San Francisco doorstep, including:

 

  • Little Skillet Gift Card
  • House of Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen Gift Card
  • MM Clay Ceramics Gift Card
  • Red Bay Coffee Gift Card
  • Gamescape Gift Card
  • Smitten Ice Cream Gift Card
  • Rare Device Gift Card
  • Plants & Friends Gift Card

 

Get to know some of the memorable businesses included in the bundle for PayByPhone’s San Francisco Block Party Giveaway and how to enter by heading over to PayByPhone’s Instagram page.

 

How to Enter:

 

  • Visit the contest post on our PayByPhone Instagram page
  • Like & save the post and follow @paybyphone on Instagram
  • Tag a friend you’re bringing to the party and your favourite local business in the comments of the Instagram post (1 comment = 1 entry)

 

From September 13th until September 27th, contest entrants will have the chance to win a collection of gift cards sourced from some of PayByPhone’s very favourite San Francisco’s small businesses. Two lucky winners will be selected, to not only win a special locally sourced bundle valued at $500, but PayByPhone will also be donating $250 to a local non-profit in the winners name.

 

For more information on PayByPhone’s San Francisco Block Party and to listen to the curated San Francisco Block Party Playlist on Spotify go to park.paybyphone.com/blockpartysfo 

 

About PayByPhone

PayByPhone is one of the fastest growing mobile payment companies in the world, processing over 130 million transactions annually, totaling more than $550 million USD in payments. Through the company’s mobile web, smartphone and smartwatch applications, PayByPhone helps millions of consumers easily and securely pay for parking without the hassles of waiting in line, having to carry change or risking costly fines. A subsidiary of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, PayByPhone is leading the way in the creation of the mobile future. For more information, visit paybyphone.com.

T2 MobilePay Delivers a Simple, Contactless Parking Experience to CITYCENTRE Houston

August 27, 2021

 

 

T2 MobilePay Delivers a Simple, Contactless Parking Experience to CITYCENTRE Houston

 

 

August 27, 2021 – Visitors of CITYCENTRE, a mixed-use development in Houston developed by Midway, will now be able to pay for parking quickly and easily on their phone using T2 MobilePay. The mobile payment platform, from parking technology leader T2 Systems, will be available in 167 on-street and 941 off-street parking spaces. CITYCENTRE also offers an abundance of free parking options with easy access to retailers, restaurants, and the plaza.

“I’m excited that the T2 MobilePay platform is now available to the CITYCENTRE community,” said Bric Fraser, Regional Sales Manager for T2 Systems. “Since there is never an app to download, first-time and repeat visitors share the same convenience. This solution will increase mobile payment adoption and customer satisfaction.”

T2 MobilePay, powered by TEXT2PARK, is a browser-based parking payment solution that does not require parkers to download an app. They simply send a text message or scan a QR code specific to the lot, enter their parking and payment information, and go on their way. Meanwhile, parking operators are given complete control of their customers, data, brand, and revenue.

For more information, visit t2systems.com/t2-mobilepay.

 

About T2 Systems
www.t2systems.com

T2 is the largest provider of parking and mobility solutions in North America. With over 27 years in business, T2 now serves more than 2,000 customers and maintains the largest Customer Community with over 5,000 active members. T2 helps universities, municipalities, operators, healthcare campuses, and transportation hubs generate revenue and operate efficiently with a comprehensive, integrated suite of solutions featuring touchless and contactless capabilities. From curbside management to gateless, from mobile payments to transportation demand management, T2 strives to make every trip a smooth journey by streamlining the parking, mobility, and transportation experience with technology solutions that help organizations manage resources, achieve goals, and empower consumers with choices.

FLASH Acquires OmniPark to Unlock Revenue Opportunities for Ungated and Gated Parking Real Estate

July 16, 2021

 

 

 

 

FLASH Acquires OmniPark to Unlock Revenue Opportunities for Ungated and Gated Parking Real Estate

 

 

 

Acquisition creates a no-risk, enforceable 21st century parking solution for asset owners and operators to modernize parking assets and capitalize on the economic comeback

 

 

Austin, TX and Spokane, WA – FLASH, the leader in flexible technology solutions for urban real estate, acquired OmniPark. This acquisition furthers FLASH’s mission of delivering parking solutions for every parking type. When OmniPark’s enforcement technology is paired with FLASH’s mobile-based payment products, asset owners and parking operators can deploy a fully digital parking solution for ungated parking assets.

 

“Our customers are seeing parking occupancy and drive-up rates surpassing pre-COVID levels, which presents value-creation opportunities for highly flexible real estate to transform via 21st century parking solutions,” states Dan Sharplin, CEO and Executive Chairman of FLASH. “The acquisition of OmniPark, best known for its cloud-based, fully integrated enforcement technology, when combined with our Scan-to-pay product or a kiosk provides a no-risk, enforceable surface lot solution to help asset owners unlock sizable revenue.”

 

Built by parking veterans, OmniPark’s parking software solutions provide over 3,000 ungated and gated locations the ability to efficiently manage permits, enforcement, vehicle inventory, and more. OmniPark delivers access to real-time data and actionable insights enabling their customers to respond quickly in today’s rapidly changing mobility landscape.

 

“Parking is a game of permissions, and today’s asset owners and parking operators must have the ability to digitally control access and enforce when parkers don’t follow those permissions,” said Kevin Uhlenhaker, CEO of OmniPark. “I couldn’t be more thrilled about the acquisition, which allows us to continue to serve our customers, while also enriching FLASH’s digital platform with a suite of enforcement and permitting solutions, which are critical for key verticals like municipalities, airports, and universities.”

 

“Kevin Uhlenhaker and the OmniPark team bring a wealth of parking knowledge to FLASH, which we will absolutely leverage for the good of our customers, especially as we continue to build out our touchless, enforceable surface lot solution at scale,” explained Sharplin.  “With this acquisition every bit of the fully digital parking puzzle is now complete.”

 

FLASH is dedicated to the success of OmniPark’s existing customers, who now have access to FLASH’s always-on support team. For current OmniPark customers, pricing and service will remain unchanged.

 

About Flash
FLASH is an innovator in the urban mobility space, helping businesses rethink one of their most valuable assets: the parking garage. Our award-winning cloud-born platform is custom configurable, secure, reliable, and grows alongside you as business or consumer demands evolve. Visit www.flashparking.com to learn more.

 

Media Contacts:
Rob Duda
Peppercomm for FLASH
Senior Vice President, Automotive & Transportation Strategist
Mobile: 908-347-1243

rduda@peppercomm.com

Karin Maake
FLASH
Senior Director of Brand & Communications
Cell: 512-750-0123
karin.maake@flashparking.com

 

What Sparks Joy? ParkNews.biz June 29th – July 12th, 2021

July 12, 2021

 

What Sparks Joy? ParkNews.biz June 29th – July 12th, 2021

 

 

This past Sunday July 11th, was a big day in sports.  Men’s final at Wimbledon.  NBA playoffs game 3.  And Euro Cup 2020 final at Wembley Stadium in London, UK.  Subsequently, there was a lot of excitement, especially in London, UK.

First Novak Djokovic won his sixth Wimbledon title and his 20th Grand Slam victory, over Matteo Berrettini.  At 20 Grand Slams trophies, Djokovic is tied with other two great players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.  Also, this win is Djokovic’ 3rd Grand Slam this year.  He won Australian Open and French Open so far.  In this Wimbledon Final, Berrattini won the first set.  Yet, as it is usually when Djokovic is backed into the corner, he finds his best stuff when he truly needs.  He doesn’t give up.  He picks himself up and plays his best tennis even when the audience usually cheer for his opponent.  The best part of this tournament besides the inspiration of the awesome athletes, were the crowds.  After the pandemic, the stands were filled with joyful, well dressed crowds.  It was truly awesome to see that life was lived to the fullest and rain or shine, people were enjoying being together without masks appreciating the game and its players.

 

Second, all eyes reminded on London, since UEFA EURO 2020 final took place in the evening at Wembley.  It was wonderful to see the stadium filled with cheering fans.  Both Italian and English.  I was fortunate that my team Italy won.  I was rooting for them from the beginning of the tournament.  There was poetry to me in their possible win.  Since the virus put Italy in the lockdown first before the rest of us, I wanted the Azzurri their national team, to bring the trophy to Rome.  It was challenging feat at first since the English scored immediately.  Yet, the Italians didn’t give up and evened up the score in the second half.  After extra time, the game went to penalties.  Gigi Donnarumma was incredible and saved 2 possible goals plus one miss by England, made Azzurri the European Champions.  The joy for the Italians were infectious.  The sadness for the English, heart breaking.  Yet, in all of it, people were full of excitement and togetherness.  Things we took for granted, were much more appreciated.  Simply being and cheering for your favorite team.  Never giving up and always believing.

 

Sadly, in England, 3 players who missed the final penalties shots were attacked with racist abuse.  It is heart breaking.  There is no room anyplace for racism nor hatred.  These young men played their hearts out.  They were in the arena.  In sports sadly, there is a winner and a looser.  Yet, no one truly looses.  It is not the critic that counts.  It is the man in the arena.  And those men in the arena truly sparked our joy and made us feel as life is beautiful and back to normal.

 

We are excited that in the spirit of normal and togetherness, we will see you all in Dallas, TX in a few days. PIE 2021 might not be the biggest conference or the busiest one.  Yet, it will be the most important and value building for all of us.  Because what sparks joy in our hearts most is serving others and being together and cheering for each other’s successes.

 

In the words of journalist and author Gabriele Parpiglia, the Azzurri’s Coach Mr. Mancini “taught us that smile, friendship, respect and normality: they are the real revolution.” And they spark joy beyond words.  We do need each other.  We need to be socially close.  We need to hug and smile and to be together in person.  See you in Dallas, TX.

 

Have a blessed week.

 

Thank you,

 

Astrid Ambroziak

Editor, ParkNews.biz

Creative Director

Parking Today

310 390 5277 ext 9

astrid@parkingtoday.com

www.parkingtoday.com

 

 

 

EasyPark Group Completes Acquisition of ParkMobile

June 01, 2021

 

 

EasyPark Group Completes Acquisition of ParkMobile

 

 

 

This acquisition brings together the parking and mobility technology leaders in Europe and North America to accelerate innovation and global expansion.

 

 

 

Atlanta, GA – June 1, 2021 – EasyPark Group, the European fast-growing mobility company, announced today the completed acquisition of PARK NOW Group, including North American-based ParkMobile. The closing of this transaction immediately expands EasyPark Group’s global footprint into the North American market, where ParkMobile is the #1 parking app with 25 million users and a presence in over 450 cities, including eight of the top ten.

 

EasyPark Group is backed by private equity firms Verdane Capital and Vitruvian Partners and currently operates in 2,200 cities across 20 countries throughout Europe and Australia. This acquisition brings together two successful companies and enables the expanded Group to grow further and become a global pacesetter within digital parking, electrical vehicle charging, and mobility services.

 

“Over the past 12 years, ParkMobile has emerged as the innovation leader in North America for contactless parking and mobility payments,” says Jon Ziglar, CEO of ParkMobile. “We are incredibly excited for this next chapter as we join forces with EasyPark Group to accelerate growth and expand our global footprint.”

 

“This is a historic milestone in the industry, and we are very excited to embark on this journey. Most of all, I am proud to be leading such a strong organization with talented employees. With global coverage and scale, as well as an integrated portfolio, we will be able to make cities more livable by driving the development of new, smart, and integrated digital services, says Johan Birgersson, CEO of EasyPark Group.

 

ParkMobile has been part of BMW and Daimler’s mobility joint venture PARK NOW Group since March 2019. The PARK NOW Group European brands are also part of this acquisition. That includes PARK NOW, RingGo, Parkmobile Europe, and Park-line. The integration of these companies will be realized in several steps concerning commercial offerings, internal organization, and ways of working.

“We are now entering a discovery and integration phase where we will make sure to draw from the strength, knowledge, and spirit of both PARK NOW Group and EasyPark Group, to build our future success. Together we have a huge potential, and as one united company we will be able to offer even more value to drivers, businesses, cities, and parking operators all around the world”, says Birgersson.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction.

 

About ParkMobile

ParkMobile, LLC provides smart parking and mobility solutions in North America, using a contactless approach to help millions of people easily find, reserve, and pay for parking on their mobile devices. The company’s technology is used in thousands of locations across the country, including 8 of the top 10 cities as well as college campuses, airports, and stadiums. People can use ParkMobile solutions to quickly pay for on-street and off-street parking without having to use a meter or kiosk. Additionally, ParkMobile offers parking reservations at stadium venues for concerts and sporting events. Reservations are also available in metro area garages, allowing people to drive into the city without having to worry about finding parking. ParkMobile has been named to the Inc. 5000, Deloitte Fast 500, the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Top Workplaces, and the Technology Association of Georgia’s Most Innovative Companies. For more information, visit ParkMobile.io or @ParkMobile on Twitter.

 

About Easypark Group

EasyPark is a leading, fast-growing parking tech company that helps drivers find and manage parking and charge their electrical vehicle. Our unique and cutting-edge technology also helps businesses, cities, parking operators and property owners with administration, planning, and data-driven management in over 2,200 cities across 20 countries. We make urban life easier, one parking spot at a time. Visit https://www.easyparkgroup.com/ to find out more.

 

PayByPhone Expands to 9 More Locations Across North America in First Quarter of 2021

April 14, 2021

PayByPhone Expands to 9 More Locations Across North America in First Quarter of 2021

 

 

 

VANCOUVER, BC  –  PayByPhone, the world’s leading mobile parking payment company, celebrated unprecedented success in 2020, launching in 9 new locations across North America. In addition, PayByPhone Maps, an important technological improvement, was introduced to 22 locations. The parking guidance tool allows drivers to use the app to find available parking spaces. The maps are interactive and allow users to determine hours of operation and parking restrictions, making parking that much faster, safer and more convenient.

“I am very proud of how PayByPhone and our people have continued to excel as true partners in the communities that we serve,” said Roamy Valera, CEO North America. “Through our focus on partnership, we have worked closely with the municipalities, universities, and private lot operators to address their unique needs and create programming that truly benefits people in those communities.”

During the first quarter of 2021 some of PayByPhone’s most important programs have revolved around promoting public health, as well as the economic health of the communities the company serves. To that end, PayByPhone introduced specialized programming to help communities reopen safely after Covid-19 outbreaks forced city-wide shutdowns and programs such as recent “Spring into Seattle” sweepstakes, which supported local businesses that were impacted by the pandemic.

The PayByPhone app is NOW available to drivers in:

  • Portland State University
  • Delta Grand Hotel – Kelowna
  • Kelowna International Airport
  • NJ Transit, New Jersey
  • City of Denver, Colorado
  • City of Carolina Beach, North Carolina
  • City of Martinsburg, West Virginia
  • LoanDepot Park, Miami (Formerly Marlins Park)
  • Epic Parking, Toronto

As a result of PayByPhone’s expansion, hundreds of thousands more drivers across North America can now pay for parking with their personal mobile devices from the comfort and safety of their own vehicles, using the most convenient app available.

For more information, visit paybyphone.com.

About PayByPhone

PayByPhone is one of the fastest growing mobile payment companies in the world, processing over 125 million transactions annually, totaling more than $550 million USD in payments. Through the company’s mobile web, smartphone and smartwatch applications, PayByPhone helps millions of consumers easily and securely pay for parking without the hassles of waiting in line, having to carry change or risking costly fines. A subsidiary of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, PayByPhone is leading the way in the creation of the mobile future.

“The law of the instrument” – ParkNews.biz week of Nov 24th- 30th, 2020

November 30, 2020

 

 

“The law of the instrument” – ParkNews.biz week of Nov 24th– 30th, 2020

 

 

As Abraham Maslow said in 1966, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”

 

 

JVH might had called the law of the hammer a blind spot. So gracious of him and it shows, how albeit dexterous with tools and able to fix most things including plumbing, sprinklers, locks, articles and so on, he chooses the softer approach: Reflection, being interested and kindness.

How do we see beyond our circumstances or feelings? Are you holding a hammer? Due to the current situation, often I am albeit perhaps without awareness of it. I am frustrated, stupefied and thus sometimes frozen. I see the insanity going around. Mind you I was born in a communist country and grew up under Sharia. I came here with my parents on political asylum as a kid. I believe in a freedom of speech and thus the freedom of enterprise.  Some of the latest events sadly take me back to the climate of my childhood.

What happens when your hands and legs are tied into a pretzel?

Yes, there are some of us who are moving forward. We adjust but how much room is there for our adjustments? Movement is the key. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle boils down to the initial conditions. Thankfully, we have faith which overcomes “initial conditions” and rises even above science. Imagination, wonder and awe ensue.

It was a short week in news this past week. It was after all socially distant, new to all of us Thanksgiving.

Most cities were supporting their businesses and merchants with offering free parking. Or at least free parking on the weekends. If you use ParkMobile, Passport, Honk, you get two hours free on Saturdays, in cities such as Bethlehem, PA, Waterloo, IA or in Kingston, Canada.

In the ride share news, Alto is coming to LA. Alto calls itself “the safety-first rideshare experience.” Alto’s drivers are fully employed. However, that means more expensive rides for the customers. “The cost of an Alto ride lands between Uber’s two premium options, Uber X and Uber Black, at around $2 or $3 more than the Uber X option.”

Hopefully, we will be moving forward in parking and driving and hence there will be more mentions. In the meantime, we at Parking Today are working on PIE 2021. This year we are not putting out a call for speakers. We will bring you the best presentations and the best presenters possible. And we will be reaching out to you by invitation right after Christmas Holidays.

Have a wonderful December and lets keep moving forward leaving the law of the instrument behind.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

 

Astrid Ambroziak

Editor, ParkNews.biz

Creative Director PT

Parking Today

310 390 5277 ext 9

astrid@parkingtoday.com

www.parkingtoday.com

 

PIE 2021
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention

Center & Hotel – Schaumburg, IL
April 11-15, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

“If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs …” – ParkNews.biz 09/15-09/21/2020

September 21, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs …” – If, Rudyard Kipling

 

 

Amygdala Hijack can happen to any of us especially during the current circumstances. Yet, as Kipling guides us, “If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!”

This past week on ParkNews.biz here are some parking industry leaders, moving forward, creating, adding value and solving challenges.

PayByPhone brings contactless parking into 10 new locations amongst them, Cleveland, OH, Albuquerque, NM and Camden, NJ. Roamy Valera, PayByPhone CEO said: “With the addition of the PayByPhone app, residents, visitors, students, and workers in these communities now have access to a seamless, safe, and contactless parking experience.”

Coord comes to Omaha, NE to create Smart Zones to better manage curbside loading and thus reducing congestion and improving safety.

Once again Brandy Stanley and City of Las Vegas leads the way in collaboration. Together with Arrive and Flowbird the Las Vegas Parking Services they provide a better parking experience for us the customers. Using the tap-to-pay service, a driver can pull up to a parking garage or available street-level spot, scan an NFC tag or QR code with a smartphone and complete the transaction with or without an app. Payment is handled by Apple Pay, Google Pay or via credit card.
“I think it makes it a lot easier for people to pay,” said Brandy Stanley, parking services manager for the city of Las Vegas. “Most of the payment options we present to people take time. You have to use your credit card or coins at a meter, or you have to download an app. This takes hardly any time at all.”
One benefit, she said, is reducing customer complaints over violations. “[People] will contact us if they get a parking citation because the technology we presented them doesn’t work. And we have gotten none of those requests with regards to the QR code and the NFC tag,” Stanley said.

Phoenix Motorcars wins grant with Houston Metro and EasyMile for development of first FMVSS compliant autonomous shuttle bus in the US.

University of Victoria, Canada collaborates with HonkMobile to bring new parking app.

Endera, a technology company specializing in commercial electric vehicles, charging stations and software solutions, delivered 18 all-electric passenger shuttles to ACE Parking, for use at the San Diego International Airport. By the end of 2020, 29 all-electric vehicles will be delivered, making it the largest deployment of an all-electric fleet at a US airport.

Last week, also majority of parking industry were attending NPA’s PMX Live. Our John Van Horn wondered the floor and wrote a few blogs worth reading. One of them asks some questions that gets us energized to move our parking industry forward. Please check out John’s blogs on Parking Today.

At NPA’s PMX Live, Toledo Ticket Company announced their “new identity” as Toledo Ticket Technologies. The link to Tom Carter’s youtube video is on ParkNews.biz.

Also at PMX Live, Andi Campbell, Sr. Vice President of Human Resources at LAZ Parking, has been awarded the 2020 Women in Parking IMPACT Award, LAZ CEO Alan Lazowski.

And last but not least, Advanced Parking Concepts (APC) received the “Innovator of the Year Award”!

Other partnerships in the news are SpotAngels and WhereiPark and INRIX and HERE building end to end parking ecosystem.

So much more daily on ParkNews.biz to energize us, so we all can have “If” alive in our hearts and in our daily steps.

Thank you,

Astrid Ambroziak
Editor, ParkNews.biz
Creative Director PT
Parking Today
310 390 5277 ext 9
astrid@parkingtoday.com
www.parkingtoday.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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