Innovations in Parking Enforcement: MPS Helps Massachusetts Cities Tackle Illegal Parking at Bus Stops

Innovations in Parking Enforcement: MPS Leads the Way

As cities across the United States grapple with the challenge of illegal parking, two cities in Massachusetts, Somerville and Lynn, have emerged as pioneers in adopting technology to combat the issue. With the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) about to enhance enforcement of illegal parking at bus stops and in bus lanes, these cities have already taken steps to address the problem proactively by utilizing innovative solar-powered devices known as SafetySticks®, developed by Municipal Parking Services (MPS), based in Austin, Texas.

The Challenge of Illegal Parking at Bus Stops

Illegal parking not only hampers the smooth flow of public transportation but also compromises passenger safety. Buses blocked by parked cars can delay schedules, discourage ridership, and create hazardous conditions for boarding and alighting passengers. Recognizing this significant hurdle, both Somerville and Lynn decided to implement solutions before the MBTA initiated their enforcement measures.

The Role of SafetySticks

The SafetyStick is an automated enforcement tool designed to monitor bus stop usage and ticket violators with efficiency. These devices are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and are environmentally friendly due to their solar power capabilities. Somerville’s Director of Traffic and Parking, Suzanne Rinfret, first introduced the SafetyStick as a pilot project at a bus stop on Elm Street two years ago, leading to remarkable insights. In the 67-day pilot, SafetySticks recorded an astonishing number of violations—469 in total—highlighting that the bus stops were obstructed as often as seven times a day.

Following the pilot's success, Somerville expanded its deployment of SafetySticks, increasing the number to 25 at various locations. The results have been striking. At one bus stop, the number of recorded violations plummeted from 68 in June to just 14 by September, demonstrating the device's effectiveness in changing driver behavior.

Lynn's Experience with SafetySticks

Simultaneously, Lynn's parking director, Jessica Chiappini, rolled out SafetySticks within a year of Somerville's initiative. Recognizing similar patterns of illegal parking across numerous bus stops, Chiappini noted a significant 70% decrease in violations within a few months post-installation. This dramatic reduction indicates that educational effects are occurring, with residents beginning to understand and comply with parking regulations.

The Broader Implications

The advancements witnessed in Somerville and Lynn suggest a promising shift in transportation and urban planning. Automated enforcement tools like SafetySticks not only address illegal parking effectively but also provide a model that could be replicated in other towns and cities facing similar challenges. As highlighted in The Boston Globe, the success of the SafetyStick model might enable cities to enhance public safety and improve traffic flow without the need for comprehensive overhauls of their current enforcement frameworks.

Looking Ahead: MPS's Vision

Municipal Parking Services is paving the way for modern parking solutions by merging technology with urban management. Since its inception in 2013, MPS has focused on providing cloud-connected parking and safety solutions that adeptly enhance compliance while reducing instances of illegal parking. Their collaborations with organizations committed to public safety, including Vision Zero and the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), strengthen their objective of creating safer environments.

As more cities consider implementing technologies like SafetySticks, a sustainable and smarter transportation landscape might just be on the horizon. The implications extend beyond Massachusetts, as successful models of enforcement could ripple throughout the nation, leading to improved bus lane conditions and increased public transport ridership. Beyond a simple solution to a city problem, MPS is pioneering a shift toward smart city solutions that help balance the needs of drivers, public transportation systems, and urban infrastructure.