Automating the ticketing and enforcement system can reduce or eliminate the paper-shuffling workload. In addition, enabling this automated system with real-time wireless two-way connectivity with the central databank of ticket and permit records can connect enforcement officers on the streets with a large library of information, making them much more productive. This was Vancouver's intention when it automated its parking management system and "went live" this past year with a real-time information network.
The business case for the Vancouver system was compelling. In an analysis produced by city staff for review by the city council, a net annual benefit of $235,000 was estimated over the first six years of the system. After that, the benefit could rise to $393,000 per annum.
The analysis anticipated the elimination of three key-punch positions (out of four) for transcribing handwritten parking tickets. It also projected a higher volume of valid tickets, increased ticket payment rates and fewer meter violations. City staff believe the capital cost of the equipment purchased could be paid back in as little as three years, leading to a potential net present value to the city of $1 million over a six-year time span. While the early returns from the system's first period of operation are not yet in, the system has proven its worth in the field handily.
"This is an easy-to-use system that utilizes handheld personal digital assistants and a real-time information system that eliminates much of the paper and manual data entry from the ticketing back-end system," said Ralph Yeomans, Vancouver's manager of parking operations and enforcement.
