Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS)

BACKGROUND

One of the major elements of the Airport Improvement Program is the addition of parking facilities for John Wayne Airport. Parking Structure C opened November 7, 2011, adding an additional 2,000+ parking spaces for Airport visitors. An important component to any large parking facility is the ability for passengers to easily navigate their way into a parking space. PARCS allows the airport to electronically manage parking spaces and availability so passengers can find a parking space more easily by knowing how many spaces are available and at which locations.

Previously, parking access and revenue control was provided by a 15+ year old system which was limited in its ability to provide real time parking data, financial reports and space management. The Airport is now taking advantage of new technology that will enhance JWA’s ability to efficiently manage its parking operation and provide improved service for its customers.

The PARCS project replaces parking control systems in all airport parking facilities. The new system utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give the Airport greater capability to track both parking usage and revenue.

Some of the features will include:

• Pay-on-Foot Stations: Kiosks allowing for prepayment of parking fees prior to returning to one's vehicle are installed in Parking Structure C. This system allows passengers to utilize the parking ticket or credit card they used upon entry to pay parking fees and exit the parking structure without waiting for a cashier.
• Contactless Credit Cards: Passengers are able to waive their contactless credit cards such as MasterCard PayPass and American Express Pay at entry and exit lanes in lieu of inserting them into the machines, making for a quicker transaction.
• Express Exit Lanes: Passengers paying by credit card or with prepaid pay-on-foot transactions are allowed express exit through these unattended and dedicated lanes.
• Ticketless Options: When exiting a parking facility, passengers have the opportunity to exit without the assistance of a cashier by simply swiping the same credit card they used upon entering. This ticketless method eliminates having to keep track of a parking ticket while away on travel, reduces wait time at exit, and eliminates waste from disposal of the paper parking ticket.
• Parking Space Count System: Allows passengers to see how many spaces are available on each level as they enter the parking facility. Sensors in Airport roadways allow for the new system to count vehicles entering and exiting facilities. Individual sensors located in ADA and short-term (2-hour) spaces provide the exact count of these spaces to be displayed on roadway signage . The space count system also informs passengers on the roadway if the lot is full. Accuracy of the system will be increased through the use of ultrasonic vehicle detection and daily physical reconciliation of counts displayed.
• Real-Time Parking Data: The new PARCS system will integrate with the Airport website, allowing for passengers to view parking availability online and via mobile devices.

TIMELINE

As a design-build project, the PARCS system was installed in Main St., Parking Structures A1, A2, B2 and C effective November 7, 2011.

BUDGET

The budget for the design and build of this project is $10.8 million.

CONTRACTOR

Design Builder	Helix Electric, Inc. (www.helixelectric.com) Contract Awarded: July 27, 2010
Architect/Engineering Services:	Kimley-Horn and Associates (www.kimley-horn.com) Contract Awarded: December 7, 2004

The Airport Improvement Program includes construction of a new South Remain-Over-Night (RON) aircraft parking area, a new multi-level Terminal C with six new commercial passenger gates, new security checkpoints, new commuter facilities as well as new Parking Structure C and a Central Utility Plant.

Last updated: November 2011