The International Parking Institute honored Duke University's Parking and Transportation Services as a co-recipient of its 2018 Parking Organization of the Year Award.
The annual award, to be presented at IPI's 2018 Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla. June 3-6, recognizes public or private parking organizations, departments, consultants, suppliers, and commercial operators that exceed expectations and meet extremely high industry standards.
Duke Parking and Transportation Services in Durham, North Carolina, is a well-oiled machine that embraces the future, using technology, business smarts, and innovation to offer the best parking experience to its customers. Its 116 employees manage almost 27,000 parking spaces and an extensive transit system with 33 buses.
Duke completed one of the largest Parking Access Revenue Control System (PARCS) installations in North America, converting or installing in 191 lanes. Its new license plate recognition (LPR) system has helped ensure safety and improve enforcement. Enforcement vehicles are equipped with real-time hot lists and the ability to upload information about vehicles of interest to the campus police.
This organization has embraced alternative transportation, rolling out the Unpark Yourself campaign to the community and encouraging options other than driving alone, with a mission of creating a more sustainable campus. Unpark Yourself explains all alternative commuting options, including carpooling, transit, biking, bike-share, car-share, vanpool, motorcycle and scooter options, and the free downtown Durham to Duke shuttle.
Dockless bike-share programs enable users to bike for $.50 per hour. The Go Pass program offers eligible transit commuters an annual pass for $25 and is free for students. More than 20 charging stations serve electric vehicle owners, and the department is working towards a goal of an all-hybrid/electric fleet.
Two major parking garage renovations have prolonged the buildings' lives and improved users' experiences. The department also opened a new permit and valet lot for medical center staff and guests and moved its office to a parking garage to be more integrated with the system and closer to customers.
"Duke Parking and Transportation Services has demonstrated its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service," said IPI CEO Shawn Conrad, CAE. "We are proud to recognize their efforts and accomplishments with this industry honor."
MAWAQiF Parking Division, Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was also honored as a Parking Organization of the Year by IPI.
