San Diego State University encountered a number of challenges in managing departmental guest permits and some event parking due to an outdated paper-based system.

Outdated methods like paper permits and temporary enforcement suspensions caused inefficiencies, revenue losses, and enforcement challenges. To address these issues, SDSU sought a modern, streamlined solution to enhance the parking experience for visitors and staff.

Chris Sumner

San Diego State University
Associate Director of Parking & Transportation Services

"To be honest I think everybody should be using Offstreet and I have recommended Offstreet to other campuses already. I always tell them, look, Offstreet's worth it, the advantages and flexibility that you gain from Offstreet is well worth the investment. I’d give it a 10 out of 10."

Challenges

Administrative burden

Staff spent excessive time managing paper permits.
Counterfeit permits further compounded financial losses.
Underpriced no-citation agreements disrupted enforcement and revenue collection.
Inconsistencies in parking strategy left critical gaps in operations.

Lack of tracking and data

Limited visibility into parking operations hindered resource optimization.
Guest and event parking usage could not be accurately tracked.
Lack of data made pricing and availability decisions difficult.
Refund requests for unused permits added extra administrative strain.

Limited flexibility

Existing parking solutions lacked flexibility to meet diverse university needs.
Reliance on paper permits and no-citation agreements led to inefficiency and misuse.
Customizing solutions for events or departments created heavy administrative burdens.
A more adaptable and scalable system was urgently needed.

Solution

Allow departments to self-manage permits

Departments issue guest permits digitally, eliminating the need for paper-based processes.
Registration link is distributed to guests to
pre-register for parking for real-time permit issuance.
Improved tracking and accountability for guest parking.

Enhanced data and analytics

Delivered comprehensive reports to optimize pricing and understand demand.
Reduced misuse with trackable, accurate data on parking activity.
Enabled better decision-making for resource allocation and event planning.

A scalable and flexible platform

Customizable to meet the specific needs of departments and events.
Maintained operational flexibility while standardizing processes.
Adaptable for future expansions, including new use cases like payments and commencement.

Outcomes

A solution designed to enhance the campus experience for everyone...

Cost savings and operational efficiency
‍The solution eliminated paper costs and significantly reduced operational lead times, enabling same-day permit generation and allowing staff to focus on customer service instead of manual tasks like printing and managing permits. By replacing inefficient no-citation agreements with consistent enforcement and integrating LPR technology, the system minimized parking misuse while enhancing enforcement accuracy and speed.
Revenue growth
‍SDSU experienced a significant boost in parking revenue through better management and streamlined systems. The university experienced significant revenue growth from new student orientations and family weekend parking—events that previously contributed little to no direct income.
Enhanced customer experience
‍Departments commended the system for its simplicity and adaptability, with most users quickly mastering it after a brief training session. The introduction of wayfinding tools further streamlined operations, minimizing the reliance on physical signage and reducing the need for traffic control staff at events.

Reducing the administrative burden of managing guest parking at SDSU