VDOT Tests Real-Time Parking Technology at Commuter Lots

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is piloting an innovative parking technology to help commuters find available parking spaces in real time. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the ParkZen mobile app, aims to make commuting more convenient and reduce the deterrents to using transit, carpools, and vanpools caused by uncertainty around parking availability.

ParkZen’s smart parking app is currently under evaluation at six commuter parking lots in Northern Virginia, including the Saratoga Park and Ride in Springfield, Stringfellow Road Park and Ride in Centreville, and Horner Road Commuter Lot in Woodbridge. Additionally, the app is being tested at three Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station lots in Springfield, Stafford, and Falmouth.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on physical equipment to count vehicles, ParkZen uses anonymized, passive data collection from users visiting these lots to determine parking availability. This approach eliminates the need for expensive installation and maintenance of counting equipment while still providing reliable occupancy data.

Amy McElwain, program manager for VDOT’s Office of Strategic Innovations, emphasized the importance of this technology in making commuter lots more accessible and appealing. By removing guesswork, the app aims to encourage the use of alternative transportation methods and reduce single-occupancy vehicle traffic.

The trial period will run through January 2025, during which ParkZen users can check real-time parking availability and even earn rewards, such as $50 Amazon gift cards, for frequent use of the app. If successful, the technology may expand to additional commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg by spring 2025.

McElwain urged drivers to participate during the trial, noting that higher user engagement will help validate the technology and determine its potential for broader implementation.

For more details, read the original article on Patch.