Parking pact renewed in Philly
The Philadelphia Parking Authority has awarded Norwalk, Conn.-based Xerox a seven-year, $75 million contract that aims to improve customer service, simplify the parking process, reduce potential parking disputes, cut costs and boost parking revenues. Xerox’s parking management program was selected after a public bidding process. The agreement extends Xerox’ existing 30-year relationship with the parking authority.
Under the agreement, Xerox will provide a new website during 2013 that allows users to apply online for residential parking permits. The site also will offer the ability to schedule hearings and submit inquiries online. Individuals will be able to view parking citation data and photos of some violations, including descriptions, dates, locations and amount due. The system also will alert registered users via e-mail about new tickets or that outstanding tickets are about to incur penalties.
As part of the contract, parking enforcement officers will receive new handheld electronic ticket writing equipment. The devices will enable officers to take photos and provide GPS coordinates. The technology has the potential to reduce disputes and increase collections, as well as alert towing or city parking personnel to the location of ticketed vehicles with tow-away-zone violations.
Xerox has managed and operated parking systems for more than 30 cities in the United States and 300 cities in Europe, including almost 100 jurisdictions in the United Kingdom during the past 40 years. The company is a provider of a variety of services to governments worldwide, with projects in more than 30 countries. The company’s Transportation Solutions Group enables its clients to address revenue collection, traffic safety, and congestion challenges by deploying technology.
