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

Parking garages and lots could help shape the new mobility landscape in important ways that go far beyond storing cars.

1 minute read

January 13, 2020, 9:00 AM PST

By Camille Fink


Parking Lot

jointstar / Shutterstock

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.

Friday, January 3, 2020 in Smart Cities Dive

View of small-town street with brick buildings and cars parked in diagonal parking with string lights going across street in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates

The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

September 14, 2023 - Next City

Few passengers waiting in subway station with multiple platforms and "North Station" signs in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns

Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

September 18, 2023 - Hoodline

View of Boston from Bunker Hill with statue in foreground

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces

It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

September 14, 2023 - The Boston Globe

Sidewalk in Seattle with yellow fall leaves on the ground and cars parked next to the curb.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets

Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

5 hours ago - The Urbanist

View of San Francisco neighborhood from top of hill with misty bay in background.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance

After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

7 hours ago - SF Standard

Woman wearing helmet riding POGOH bike share bike in bike lane in Pittsburgh, PA.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet

The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.

September 24 - Pittsburgh Magazine