INDECT Successfully Introduces the First Gateless Premium Parking Area in the USA

Chicago, IL (January 23, 2019) INDECT USA today announces the successful installation of a first-class parking area at ROW Self Park Garage in downtown Chicago. 

The entire first ramp of ROW garage has been transformed into a first-class parking experience with 40 wider spaces, brighter LED lighting and INDECT’s Upsolut camera-based parking guidance system. The new premium spaces are located close to the entrance, elevators and all other conveniences.

 “There is always a market for luxury items or premium service.” said Michael Prussian, Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of InterPark. “We wanted to offer drivers the opportunity to park in the best spots for a premium price.”

ROW self-park garage is operated by InterPark and is one of many multi-level parking garages operated located in downtown Chicago. It is a popular parking destination due to its proximity to numerous city attractions, hotels and restaurants.

 “We noticed that many of the best parking spaces were being filled by early parkers at discounted rates and weren’t turning over during the day.” said Prussian. “This meant that people paying full price were forced to park much farther away from their destination.” 

The new first-class parking area is open to everyone on a first in, best dressed basis, regardless of whether they are first timers or regular monthly parkers.

“The area is well marked with the rules and pricing structure clearly displayed, so there are no surprises. There are also no gates or barriers. Our revenue systems automatically charge the customer for the premium parking at the payment machines.” he said.

 The installation was carried out by local experts, RevCon Technology Group Inc, and included the relocation of existing electric vehicle (EV) stations, re-striping and widening of the spaces, the addition of brighter LED lighting and the installation of new camera-based INDECT Upsolut sensors to monitor the premium area.

“The Upsolut camera-based sensors not only alert customers of an open space, they capture valuable time-sensitive LPR data for rate calculation and are completely integrated into our revenue system,” said Prussian.

The key to the project’s success is the seamless integration between INDECT’s LPR and guidance system, InterPark’s in-house software, two different revenue systems (TIBA and Parkonect) and the existing HTS License Plate Recognition (LPR) system. 

 When a vehicle enters the garage its license plate is captured by the HTS LPR system.  HTS shares this information with TIBA and Parkonect, who then attach the plate number to the parking ticket. When a vehicle parks in the first-class area, INDECT matches their own LPR read to the HTS whitelist. When the customer goes to pay for their parking, the revenue control system looks up the INDECT database to see if their vehicle is parked in the premium area. If so, they are then charged the premium rate.  

 According to Prussian, the innovative technology solution has been so successful, InterPark has extended it into the EV parking area to monitor, meter and charge EV customers for use of the EV stations.

 “We’re getting excellent feedback. Customers are happy and the first-class area is always turning over.” said Prussian.

 “Premium parking has had a big effect on the garage. Originally the best spaces would be full all day with practically no movement. Now, thanks to INDECT’s reporting software, we can see that the same spaces are turning as much as four times every day. Servicing high-turnover cars on the lower levels means less vehicle miles are driven in the garage, which results in reduced carbon emissions. So, it’s not only good for business, it’s also greener.” he added.

 The introduction of premium parking at ROW Self Park has been so successful, Prussian plans to implement the concept in a second garage soon.

About INDECT USA 

INDECT is the leading provider of parking guidance systems. INDECT’s systems combine the most advanced parking space sensors with industry-leading data management technology to offer drivers a safer, more convenient parking experience while helping parking owners operate their parking assets more efficiently and profitably.

INDECT USA can be found online at www.indectusa.com