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WMATA Real-Time Parking
Information Feasibility Study
Chapter 6: PILOT PROJECT CONCEPT
Evaluation Requirements
All federally funded projects through VDOT require a separate evaluation. This
evaluation should verify that the goals and objectives identified in the Task 3 reports are
met, and to gather lessons learned from this project to benefit others. To review, the
goals identified for the pilot project are as follows:
• Maximize efficiency of parking facilities
• Improve customer experience and satisfaction
• Maximize efficiency of parking payment system
• Share real time parking information with other regional agencies.
The last of these can be determined through a survey of regional stakeholders. The first
three will require a more detailed evaluation approach, discussed as follows.
Utilization Review
After a suitable period of operation, WMATA should review detailed utilization data from
the parking system. It is particularly recommended that automated data collection,
including logging of entries and exits, begin at least one or two months before the
information system components are made available to users. This will enable WMATA
to compare data from before and after the information system becomes available to the
public. The utilization review should identify changes in utilization of the facility by time
of day and day of the week, and by particular types of spaces, and should include any
increase or decrease in off-peak usage. The intent is to determine if additional vehicles
are able to use the facility later in the weekday (i.e., in the afternoon) and how well the
system is utilized on weekends. This may include a quick review of nearby facilities to
see if they experience any change in usage.
User Acceptance/Satisfaction Survey
For many parking information systems currently installed around the world, it is assumed
that the system will improve customer satisfaction by reducing time spent searching for a
space. If WMATA already conducts regular customer satisfaction surveys, it may be
possible to incorporate specific questions regarding parking at the pilot station as part of
the regular survey. Otherwise, WMATA may wish to conduct surveys of users of the
system both before and after implementation to determine the degree to which the
system has increased customer satisfaction.
Payment System
While the overall project goals include improvements to the parking payment system, the
pilot study does not address this goal. No evaluation is required with the initial
deployment.
Environmental Benefits
Some funding programs may require an evaluation of environmental benefits, such as
reduced idling or searching time. These may require WMATA staff or vendor efforts to
measure or estimate the decrease in circling mileage or duration. Site-specific studies
may be needed to accomplish this, and may include before and after video recording of
Page 6-29 June 2009