Miami Parking Authority Launches Digital Smart Zones to Improve Safety and Curbside Management of Delivery Fleets
Miami Parking Authority is partnering with technology company Populus to launch smart loading zones, which will allow fleet operators to more easily access and pay for curb use.
Miami, Florida - May 9, 2024 — This week, Miami Parking Authority (MPA) announced a new pilot program permit for commercial fleet operators that is expected to manage traffic congestion, improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, and enhance mobility in dense urban areas of the city. The authority is collaborating with Populus to pilot Digital Smart Zones that will allow operators to pay for their use of space through GPS technology from their delivery or on-demand vehicles.
As the population continues to grow and the commercial delivery sector increases, cities worldwide, including Miami, have seen an unprecedented surge in demand for their curbsides. The competition for the use of the curb stems from a diverse range of fleets, including Amazon, on-demand delivery, and Uber and Lyft services. In response, Miami Parking Authority is piloting curb management strategies aimed at enhancing pedestrian and vehicular safety, managing congestion, fostering economic vitality, and improving urban living.
To simplify and modernize the payment process, delivery operators now have the opportunity to enroll in the innovative Digital Smart Zone permit program, accessible at https://www.miamiparking.com/miami-digital-smart-zones/. With this program, operators can bid farewell to cash or credit card payments at the curbside. Instead, they can choose to share their vehicle's location data with Populus, enabling them to make seamless, per-minute payments for curbside use. This not only improves delivery efficiency but also enhances community safety, making it a win-win situation for all.
This groundbreaking collaboration was established as a response to the growing concern about hazardous parking practices and the unauthorized use of commercial loading zones by non-commercial vehicles. It is also bolstered by increased enforcement efforts in the realm of parking regulations. The introduction of this pilot program is expected to enhance the accessibility of safe parking options for delivery vehicles while simultaneously reducing traffic-related incidents.
“As Miami continues to transform into a best-in-class city and technology rapidly evolves, it is imperative that the parking and mobility sectors stay ahead of market trends with the fundamental goal of supporting livable communities and better serving the needs and demands of the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City,” said Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, MPA Chief Executive Officer. “Pilots, such as the Populus curbside initiative, will help the authority determine what works and does not before this technology is permanently adopted.”
Populus and MPA will leverage the Curb Data Specification (CDS), an emerging data standard that has garnered support from cities for cities. CDS offers a framework for sharing both static and dynamic curb regulations, monitoring curb activity, and crafting policies that create more convenient and accessible curbside spaces. Populus has played a pivotal role in shaping the CDS standard, and their platform has been designed to align with this approved city standard, allowing for the exchange of curb rules and data from operators.
Regina Clewlow, CEO and Founder of Populus, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership in Miami, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Miami Parking Authority to launch the pilot Digital Smart Zone program, contributing to the creation of a safer and less congested urban environment. Miami is at the forefront of parking and curb management strategies, and we are thrilled to launch this initiative in partnership with them.”
About Miami Parking Authority
Miami Parking Authority was established in 1955 by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature. The Authority manages approximately 47,000 spaces, including 14 garages, 68 surface lots, 8 Miami-Dade County Parks and Marinas, 2 City of Miami Boat Ramps, and about 12,000 on-street spaces. For more information, please visit www.miamiparking.com.
Recognized as a premier parking organization and a leader in technology integration and innovation, Miami Parking Authority has leaped forward in the past decade to support micro-mobility options, pilot in- and above-ground sensors, and foster public-private initiatives that help drive economic development in Miami.
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About Populus
Populus helps cities and private mobility providers deliver safe, efficient, and equitable streets. The Populus platform is the only comprehensive digital solution that empowers cities with actionable insights to more effectively manage their streets and curbs—with access to mobility data from shared bike, scooter, moped and carsharing operators, and delivery services. The Populus platform serves over 100 cities around the world, ingesting data from more than 40 operators and over 350 million rides to date.