Bethlehem's Smart Parking Meters: Enhancing Partnerships and Transforming Public Perception
Customer Company Size
Mid-size Company
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- IPS Group Solar Powered Parking Meters
- IPS Group Credit Card Enabled Parking Meters
- IPS Group Web-Based Management System
Tech Stack
- Wireless Telecommunications
- Web-Based Management System
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Productivity Improvements
- Revenue Growth
Technology Category
- Networks & Connectivity - Wireless Local Area Network
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Facility Management
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Smart City Operations
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
Bethlehem is a historic city located in Pennsylvania, known for its vibrant downtown area that offers world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. The city is famous for its Colonial-era hotels and historic buildings, and it hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, attracting a large number of visitors. The Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) is responsible for managing parking in the city, particularly in the downtown area, which is separated by the Lehigh River. The BPA faces challenges in managing parking efficiently due to the high influx of vehicles during festivals and other events. The city has taken a unique approach to tackle these challenges by combining smart parking technologies with strategic partnerships, particularly with the Bethlehem Downtown Business Association.
The Challenge
Bethlehem, a historic city in Pennsylvania, faces common parking challenges due to its vibrant downtown area and numerous festivals that attract a large number of visitors and vehicles. The Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) needed to educate the public on available parking options and generate support for parking initiatives. The influx of motorists to popular areas presented challenges in managing parking efficiently and improving public perception of parking, which is often negative.
The Solution
In July 2011, the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) installed 450 solar-powered, credit card-enabled single-space parking meters from IPS Group in the downtown business areas. These smart meters allow users to pay for parking using credit/debit cards or mobile phones, and they are wirelessly networked to a back-office meter management system. This system enables the BPA to monitor parking assets more efficiently. The meters feature a large LCD graphical display that supports graphics and text in any language, allowing for customizable advertising. The BPA partnered with local businesses to offer free advertising on the meters, starting with the Apollo Grill, a popular local restaurant. This advertising capability provides a unique partnership opportunity for the BPA and the Downtown Business Association, fostering economic development and driving repeat visits to the area.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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