Virginia improves transit parking with new crowdsourcing app

In Virginia, the Department of Transportation is addressing parking issues at transit stations through the introduction of the ParkZen app. This innovative application was designed to alleviate the common stress associated with finding available parking spaces, particularly in selected areas of Virginia. Users can access real-time data on parking availability and receive navigation assistance to the nearest available spot, similar to conventional navigation apps. The ParkZen app also allows users to return to their parked vehicles, offering significant convenience. The app itself was developed by Manos Chatzopoulos, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Louisiana State University. ParkZen has a proven track record from previous deployments at educational institutions, including its successful use by around 4,000 users at LSU since its launch there. Early feedback highlighted occasional discrepancies in availability data, but overall, users experienced significantly reduced frustration in locating parking spaces. Further bolstering its effectiveness, ParkZen utilizes various parking data collection technologies, such as sensors and cameras, to identify open spots. This is crucial for ensuring reliable real-time updates about parking conditions. The app aims to enhance not just individual commuters' experiences but also to positively impact transit ridership by making parking more accessible and predictable. The 2023 expansion plans included launches at the University of Montana in spring 2023 and then at the University of Pittsburgh in October 2023. Investment in ParkZen was supported by a $100,000 investment from the Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week High Pitch Stake competition as well as federal funding from the Louisiana-run Small Business Credit Initiative. The initial success in Virginia holds the potential for further applications in other states, especially if the utilization of the app meets the state's expectations during the trial period. If successful, VDOT plans to extend its use to additional commuter parking lots by 2025, showcasing strong potential for transforming parking management across the region, and possibly nationwide.