By Nigel Bullers, Shirley Rodriguez, and Paul Yakutchik

In a bustling city like Vancouver, where urban density and mobility challenges are constantly on the rise, creating a seamless parking experience is critical. EasyPark Vancouver, in collaboration with technology partners Fennix Systems and ZipBy, has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing the parking landscape. This summer, a groundbreaking technology pilot was launched at two of Vancouver’s busiest parking locations—Lot 19 and Lot 126/31—ushering in a new era of frictionless parking.

The initiative aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability while making parking as effortless as driving on a toll highway. The results are in, and the innovative solution is already making waves in the industry, setting a benchmark for what parking can—and should—look like in the future.

A Vision for Seamless Parking

At its core, this project addresses a simple yet vital need: the demand for a faster, easier, and more secure parking experience. Traditional parking systems, with their reliance on ticket dispensers and manual payment methods, often create bottlenecks and customer frustration. EasyPark recognized that a transformative solution was needed to eliminate these barriers.

In partnership with Fennix and ZipBy, EasyPark deployed cutting-edge technologies designed to streamline every step of the parking process. The solution integrates Fennix’s AI-powered license plate recognition (LPR) cameras with ZipBy’s innovative mobile app, providing drivers with touchless entry, automated payment, and seamless exits. The system is designed to provide a “drive-through” experience, allowing customers to enter, park, and leave without ever interacting with a meter or gate.

This transformative approach relies on dual optical and infrared LPR cameras with an impressive 99% accuracy rate. These cameras identify vehicles in real-time, enabling the system to open gates automatically. Meanwhile, ZipBy’s app leverages Bluetooth and GPS to track parking sessions, notify drivers when a session begins, and email receipts as they leave.

Customer-Centric Features

One of the standout features of the ZipBy app is its ability to address real-world user needs. Customers want simplicity, convenience, and consistency—and this system delivers. Key features include:

• Auto-Pay Functionality: Drivers can enable automatic payments, receiving notifications on their smartphones or smartwatches as their parking session begins.
• Rental Car Management: A rental car toggle allows temporary license plates to expire automatically, avoiding unintended charges.
• Pre-Authorization Before Gate Entry: Ensures users have a valid payment method on file, preventing delays at exits.

Additionally, the system is designed to work seamlessly across both gated and ungated lots, eliminating the need for separate apps—a frequent customer pain point. This integration is critical in creating a unified, frictionless experience for all users.

Early Success and Positive Feedback

The initial deployment has exceeded expectations. At Lot 19 and Lot 126/31, EasyPark observed a 20% reduction in entry and exit times, significantly improving traffic flow. Customers have expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 85% reporting the system as easier and more convenient than traditional methods.

One customer likened the experience to driving through a toll highway: “It felt like magic. No fumbling with tickets, no waiting—it was fast, easy, and hassle-free.”

The Gastown lot saw rapid adoption, with usage rates climbing to 35% on peak days by the end of summer. The system’s introduction at Pacific Centre during the holiday season, where only two of four lanes were converted, further demonstrated its scalability. With over 150 users per day, the numbers continue to grow, underscoring the strong market demand for frictionless solutions.

Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability

Beyond convenience, the new system has brought tangible safety and environmental benefits. The touchless entry and exit processes minimize physical interactions, reducing congestion and creating a safer environment during
peak hours.

From a sustainability perspective, the system eliminates the need for paper tickets, lowering waste and reducing wear and tear on physical equipment. These efficiencies align with EasyPark’s commitment to environmentally friendly operations, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable parking solutions.

Overcoming Challenges

No innovation comes without challenges, and this pilot program was no exception. Integrating the frictionless parking solution with EasyPark’s older infrastructure required significant backend updates. The project team worked closely with vendors to ensure smooth compatibility and implementation.

Another challenge was GPS accuracy within the ZipBy app, which initially caused access issues for some users. These were swiftly addressed through app updates, improved signage, and customer education.

Lessons learned during the rollout also led to critical app enhancements. For instance, features like opt-out toggles for auto-pay and pre-authorization requirements were introduced to prevent errors and ensure a smooth user experience.

Cost and Return on Investment

Deploying such advanced technologies requires a significant investment, including hardware, software, installation, and ongoing maintenance. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs.

The system has improved operational efficiency, reduced wait times, and enhanced customer satisfaction, leading to increased revenue. Higher occupancy rates, longer parking durations, and reduced costs for paper tickets and maintenance have contributed to a strong return
on investment.

One notable financial advantage is the reduced need for compliance with costly EMV and PCI standards, as transactions are processed through the ZipBy app. This shift not only lowers operational costs but also allows EasyPark to pass savings on to customers, offering a 10% discount for auto-pay users.

Marketing and Community Engagement

A critical element of the program’s success was effective communication with customers. EasyPark and ZipBy adopted a retail-inspired approach, placing prominent signage at lot entrances and throughout the sites. Branding the test locations as “technology testing sites” set clear expectations, fostering patience and curiosity among users.

By involving the community and emphasizing the innovative nature of the pilot, EasyPark successfully built excitement around the new system.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Future of Parking

The success of this pilot program marks the beginning of a larger transformation. EasyPark plans to expand the frictionless parking solution across its network, focusing on high-traffic locations and further enhancing the customer experience.

Phase two will include additional locations and continued collaboration with Fennix and ZipBy to refine the technology. Data analytics will play a central role in optimizing operations, ensuring that the system evolves to meet changing customer needs.

As EasyPark, ZipBy, and Fennix look to the future, the vision is clear: a city where parking is no longer a source of stress but an integral part of seamless urban mobility. By embracing innovation, fostering partnerships, and staying attuned to customer feedback, the companies are setting a new standard for the industry—one that prioritizes convenience, safety, and sustainability.

The journey has just begun, but the road ahead is paved with opportunities to reimagine what parking can be. With frictionless technology leading the way, EasyPark is poised to make Vancouver a model city for smart, customer-centric parking solutions.

About the authors:

Nigel Bullers is the CEO of EasyPark, a Vancouver-based parking management company committed to innovative solutions.

Shirley Rodriguez is the CEO of ZipBy, a leader in mobile parking technologies.

Paul Yakutchik is the COO and Co-Founder of Fennix Systems Inc., specializing in AI-powered parking technologies.