Need for reliable Parking Management System

What are the main findings of your report on current parking trends in India?

The Indian customer now expects service at par with the best in the world. He is willing to pay more for a hassle free parking experience that includes entry, exit and easy parking. The car park should be well lighted and clean. He prefers to park here than on the road even if it is free there.

The number of women drivers are increasing. Safety & security becomes more important. Often they are accompanied by children and so need more conveniences like lifts. The size of car parks in malls is increasing. It is not uncommon to see car parks with 2000 plus bays. Charging ports at car parks are now becoming mandatory for hybrid / electric vehicles.

Due to the above, revenues at car parks have become quite large, upward of Rs 50 lakhs per month, for many successful properties. Temptations to pilfer by the operating staff can increase. This is prevented by intelligent software systems, control and audits.

Could you elaborate on ‘Advantage Parker’ that provides comprehensive fleet management solution?

This feature has not yet been introduced in India due to the paucity of public car parks. In overseas markets, our customers are given the freedom of a card linked to our Advantage Parker account system. This card allows cashless transactions, much like a credit card, with the benefit of monthly account summaries and multi-site use. Fleet drivers do not have to pay cash every time they park and can debit it to the card which can be paid on a monthly basis. This reduces the need for cash and simplifies accounting.

How does the Valet system help your clients?

Valet service is a time saving service especially at airports, railway stations, hospitals and other critical public utilities. It is very popular at malls during peak hours on weekends and for movies. Our software system tracks the movement of the car from pick up to drop off to increase security and puntuality. It also interacts directly with the customer (through SMS) informing them about the process and allows them to call for the car even before reaching the exit.

Public Parking Projects in India are not very successful…

There are several wonderful public car parks in India. These are designed, constructed as well as operated very effectively. However, there are instances of failures also. These are due to two main reasons. It is important that the park is designed to accommodate peak hour traffic inflow. For example if the vehicular inflow is 10 cars per minute and only three car can enter, then the design is sub-optimal and no matter what the size of the car park, it will only be partly occupied.

Currently, the main parameter on which the operation of public car parks is awarded is maximization of revenue. It is done through a bidding process. Competing operators bid aggressively and then cut down on service and compliances to break even. The focus needs to move towards customer service like cleanliness, lighting, security, overcrowding, trained personnel etc.

Tell us more about Secure Parking worldwide. What are the major projects in India?

In India, Secure Parking has designed and operates a wide range of car parks that covers malls, offices, commercial complexes, hospitals and public car parks for municipal corporations, development authorities, and metro rail. The car parks of a large number of the leading malls in the country are operated by us. These include High Street Phoenix, Market City, Inorbit malls, Oberoi, DLF Place, Pacific malls, Orion, Lulu, Mantri Square, Tata Trillium, Bharti Pavilion, Shopprix, Viviana and Manjeera to name a few.

Internationally we are present in nine countries outside of Australia and India. These are Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, UAE, Lebanon, UK and New Zealand with over 1200 car parks under operation. These also include airports, stadiums and universities.

How does the business of Parking work?

Parking is a service that helps the developer to increase customer satisfaction as well as revenue for himself. The business models can be on a cost plus revenue/profit share or a straight lease rental. The last one is preferred by government agencies.