How BGSU uses Offstreet to streamline guest parking for departments and events

Bowling Green State University faced significant challenges managing parking, particularly during high-traffic events such as admissions tours, orientations, and summer camps.

Utilizing PDF permits and manual processes led to revenue loss, inefficiencies, customer dissatisfaction, and administrative headaches. With these issues escalating, BGSU sought a streamlined solution to enhance the experience for visitors and the university’s parking and shuttle services team.

John Stewart
BGSU Manager of Parking and Shuttle Services
"Previously, PDF permits were a mess. We can now track exact numbers of attendees and their parking needs, which has significantly improved our ability to plan and execute events smoothly. It also helps us provide a seamless experience for all visitors, whether they’re here for admissions, a tour, orientation, or a large event."

Challenges

Poor guest experience

Prospective students and their families were required to print out permits and display them in their vehicles, which was cumbersome and often led to the following issues: forgotten permits, misplaced printouts, confusion over parking locations. and a general lack of parking instruction. As a result, admissions staff frequently received calls and emails about cars without permits, disrupting daily operations for both them and the parking team.

Undercharging for department permits

The university had little to no data on the actual number of vehicles on campus during major events like admissions. This lack of data made it difficult to plan for parking needs, leading to under or over utilization of parking resources. For example, during summer orientations, BGSU could only estimate the number of cars, which resulted in the university billing inaccurately and losing potential revenue.

Inefficient parking enforcement

Enforcement officers faced delays manually checking vehicles for paper permits, and the old system was often abused with leftover permits from previous years, complicating enforcement.

Solution

Digital permits for admissions and events

Offstreet replaced the cumbersome PDF permits with digital permits that visitors could easily access on their smartphones or other devices. Visitors no longer needed to worry about printing and displaying permits, and the system allowed BGSU to recognize permits across multiple parking lots on campus, providing flexibility and reducing the likelihood of citations.

Real-time data and reporting

With Offstreet, BGSU gained access to real-time data on the number of vehicles on campus for specific events. This data allowed the university to accurately plan for parking needs, ensuring that enough space was available without over-allocating resources. For example, during fall admissions, BGSU could now track the exact number of cars each day, allowing for better planning and billing.

Improved enforcement

The Offstreet system integrated seamlessly with BGSU's License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, enabling enforcement officers to quickly and efficiently verify vehicle permits. This integration reduced the time officers spent checking permits and minimized the chances of parking violations, improving overall compliance and visitor satisfaction.

Streamlined procurement utilizing partnership between Offstreet and PayByPhone

BGSU uses PayByPhone to offer seamless mobile payments across campus. Parking and Shuttle Services leveraged the partnership between PayByPhone and Offstreet to simplify the implementation process. By amending their existing contract with PayByPhone:
  • The procurement process was simple and fast
  • They received a white-labelled solution that prevented parker confusion

Outcomes

A solution that works
exactly how they
need it to...

  • Reduced support requests
    ‍    The number of calls and emails regarding parking issues has dropped significantly, allowing staff to focus on more important tasks

  • Increased revenue by 60x for one event
    ‍    Offstreet reporting enables the university to accurately track and manage billing data. During summer orientation, the university billed for 3,000 cars, resulting in $6,000 in revenue, a substantial improvement compared to the previous year's billing, which only generated $100

  • Improved guest experience
    ‍    Visitors to BGSU no longer need to worry about finding a printer or displaying a permit, and they can park confidently, knowing that their digital permit is valid anywhere on campus

John Stewart
BGSU Manager of Parking and Shuttle Services
"With Offstreet, admissions customers are getting much better service. Rarely do we get phone calls or emails about cars arriving without permits. In the past, PDF permits often led to confusion and complaints, but now, with Offstreet, everyone has a permit that's good anywhere on campus. This has not only streamlined our processes but also significantly improved the overall experience for our visitors."

Streamline guest parking on campus

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