T2 Systems Introduces Smart Auto Meter (SAM) To Campus and Municipal Parking Organizations

T2 Systems, Inc., a leading provider of parking management software, hardware and consulting services, introduces innovative personal parking meter technology – Smart Auto Meter (SAM) – to bring greater flexibility in parking operations and convenience to motorists. T2 Systems is the exclusive distributor of SAM in North America.

Personal parking meter technology provides specific benefits to different types of parking operations and parking customers. Organizations can use the meters to support transportation demand management programs and meet the needs of numerous special constituents like downtown merchants and handicap parkers.

The small, portable devices work in conjunction with pre-paid smart cards and hang in full view on a vehicle’s rearview mirror. The user-friendly smart cards are refillable and work like a debit card. Unlike traditional parking permits or on-street meters, SAM makes it possible to pay for only the specific amount of parking time used.

Numerous campuses and municipalities have already discovered the benefits of SAM. "We were looking for a fair, customer-friendly paid parking system," says Shirley Graham, Business and Customer Service Manager for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "Personal parking meters provided a solution."

For the parking organization, the new technology provides prepaid income as motorists pay for their parking fees by purchasing and refilling smart cards. This increases compliance and makes budgeting for parking operations easier.

SAM helps manage and control a more efficient parking system. Since meters don’t have to be emptied of coins on a regular basis, parking enforcement can focus on other important tasks.

SAM is also a tool for collecting valuable data regarding the use of specific parking areas. The smart cards can be programmed with zones, which enables parking organizations to measure traffic and use for planning purposes.

An additional benefit is that personal parking meters help eliminate some of the "visual clutter" caused by street-side meters. And, since the meters aren’t exposed to the elements, public wear and tear, or vandalism, upkeep is minimal and product life is extended.

For the parker, personal parking meters provide increased convenience, flexibility and cost savings. SAM uses a coinless system and is based on actual parking time. The convenient technology eliminates the need to rummage for change and saves the end user money by making it possible for them to pay for only the actual minutes used. Additionally, because the personal parking meters can be programmed with numerous zones, users enjoy more flexibility than with often-complicated permit systems.

For the overwhelming majority parking only becomes an issue when inconvenient, expensive, or mismanaged," says Irena Goloschokin, Vice President of Marketing. "To make traffic run more smoothly, it’s imperative that parking departments implement best practices and technology. SAM is a tool for improving operations that govern public parking."