Opinion: Parking Has a Bigger Role to Play in the Smart City

Mobility technology is evolving and new modes are becoming part of the urban landscape, but the infrastructure of cities has not kept up, argues Neil Golson. "Currently, our streets, curbs and sidewalks are bearing the weight, leaving us with gridlock, pollution and cities that are certainly not 'smart.'"

Parking garages and lots have been affected by these rapid changes in mobility, and the industry has made moves to modernize parking assets. But operators have yet to fully tap into the ways these parking assets could accommodate micromobility, shared mobility, and electric vehicles, says Golson.

Parking facilities could also be essential to the integration of these modes into a larger mobility network. "Parking assets equipped with the right technology, intelligence and connectivity can transform into hubs that meet modern mobility needs and unlock the full potential of the smart city," he adds.