Oakland launches smart loading zone program for commercial business at the curbside

Across the United States, cities are launching app-based programs that give delivery drivers the ability to digitally book curbside space. Oakland, Calif. is the latest city to do so, having partnered with Populus to implement Smart Loading Zones that can be reserved remotely via GPS technology.

“Demand for our very limited curb space has increased dramatically over the past decade” said Fred Kelley, director of Oakland Department of Transportation in a statement. Fleets vying for curbside space include Uber, Lyft, food delivery services, and package delivery vehicles. Automating reservations for curbside space is expected to “better manage the rapid rise in delivery vehicles. Improving the way we use the curb means businesses are able to get goods faster, traffic congestion goes down, and our streets are safer for everyone.”

Smart loading programs have become popular throughout American cities. Elsewhere, for example, Philadelphia launched a pilot study last year. In Oakland, the city has seen an increase in the misuse of commercial loading zones by non-commercial vehicles. The program is being supported by an increase in parking enforcement.

The app leverages Curb Data Specification (CDS), a new data standard that provides a method to share regulations and measure curbside activity to develop future policies, a statement about the program says.

Delivery drivers can sign up for the new Smart Loading Zones permit via the Populus website. Authorized operators won’t need to use cash or credit cards to pay for parking at designated meters anymore, and will instead have the option to digitally pay for their use of curbsides on a per-minute basis.

The program coincides with the release of Oakland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan, which was approved unanimously by the City Council in October. The city aims to transition to an emissions-free transportation system by 2045.

“This plan keeps the focus on making clean, affordable, and reliable transportation options available for Oakland’s frontline communities. This transition to electric cars and trucks will improve public health and safety, all while eliminating our largest source of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Daniel Hamilton, Oakland’s sustainability and resilience director.