By Vincent Thomas, MSM, PTMP:
For many travelers, the journey doesn’t begin at the boarding gate; it starts in the parking garage. Transitioning to a fully automated Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) is no longer just a luxury for airports—it is a strategic necessity that balances operational excellence with passenger satisfaction.
Seamless Efficiency and Speed
The primary advantage of automation is the elimination of friction. Technologies like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and contactless mobile payments allow travelers to enter and exit without fumbling for tickets or waiting in long kiosk lines. This “ticketless” flow significantly reduces terminal-area congestion, ensuring passengers reach security faster and with less stress.
Maximizing Revenue and Data Insights
From a management perspective, automation is a powerful revenue engine. Real-time data analytics enable dynamic pricing, allowing airports to adjust rates based on occupancy and peak travel seasons—much like airlines do with seats. Furthermore, automated systems virtually eliminate “revenue leakage” caused by human error or lost tickets, ensuring every transaction is captured accurately.
Enhanced Security and Sustainability
Automation also bolsters safety through continuous digital monitoring and precise vehicle tracking. Environmentally, by guiding drivers directly to open spots via smart signage, airports can drastically reduce idling time and carbon emissions.
By investing in a fully automated ecosystem, airports transform a traditional pain point into a high-tech, high-margin asset that mirrors the modern traveler’s digital lifestyle.
Vincent Thomas, MSM, PTMP, is the Vice President, Aviation North, for Reimagined Parking, Inc. Vincent can be reached at vincent.thomas@reimaginedparking.com.
Forum Question: How can airports minimize revenue leakage in parking operations?