Parking: June 2010 - 53

While the tried and true multi-part ticket is still used for stadium valet operations, Becker thinks the trend appears to be going high tech. “Great advances have been made in mobile computing technology and the costs of cellular and other wireless communications have decreased dramatically,” Becker writes. Becker notes that one of the key developments in this trend is the advent of wireless handheld devices with integrated card-swipe and bar-code readers, such as those offered by Amano McGann. “This allows the facility to implement a sophisticated pre-paid parking program. A pre-paid parking program using a bar-code that can be read in the lane has convenience and cash control benefits for both the customer and the owner/operator,” he says.

safe and where they worry about whether they’ll find a place to lock up their bike. A turnkey service offers a win-win for both the venue seeking to promote alternative transportation and bicycling, supporters say. Valet parking, whether for two- or four-wheeled vehicles, seems to be “scoring” with patrons. “They are extremely pleased with the service,” says USC’s Mazza of his institution’s valet parking offering. 
Charles R. “Charlie” Munn III, CAPP CPP is a former commercial , , parking executive and operations consultant. He is now a customer service management consultant and freelance writer. Contact him at cmunn3@aol.com.

And Now on Deck, Valet Parking for… Bikes?
Event venues are also encouraging alternative modes of event arrivals to decrease congestion and improve service. New arenas and stadiums are often built near, and integrating with, public transit. But other progressive venues are doing even more. Some stadiums are now offering “bike valets” in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and improve an event’s carbon footprint. Seattle-based, nonprofit BikeWorks has coordinated several large scale efforts such as home football games at the University of Washington. In San Francisco, nonprofit San Francisco Bicycle Coalition provides a bike valet for attendees to Giants’ baseball games at AT&T Park. According to the Website for BikeWorks, “Valet bike parking is like a coat check for bicycles. The guests who arrive at your event by bike are issued claim tickets in exchange for their bikes and our staff guards them in a secure corral.” Bike valet enthusiasts say event organizers hope to encourage their guests to arrive by bike but may not be sure how to provide adequate and safe parking for their guests’ bikes. They say people won't ride to events where their bikes aren't
www.npapark.org PArkINg June 2010

Parking: June 2010

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