How SDSU streamlined orientation parking and boosted revenue with Offstreet
San Diego State University faced significant challenges managing parking during its annual new student orientations, which take place across 25 dates each summer.
Traditionally, one department managed this process by incorporating parking fees into orientation charges. However, the actual parking logistics were handled by SDSU's Parking and Transportation Services. The department arranged for no-citation parking agreements, which involved reserving an entire parking garage and temporarily suspending enforcement.
The earlier process resulted in gaps in information and also limited the university’s ability to maximize its revenue potential and operational efficiency. It was difficult for Parking and Transportation Services to capture accurate estimates of the number of vehicles on campus and contributed to challenges with staffing and planning for traffic control. Also, orientation parking costs were not maximized, resulting in little to no revenue for SDSU’s Parking Services.
Associate Director of Parking & Transportation Services
Challenges with the previous solution...
.svg)
Revenue inefficiency
Parking Services relied on traditional systems that often led to missed opportunities for revenue generation. The reliance on paper permits and no-citation agreements meant the department often only broke even, leaving little room to reinvest in operations.Operational burdenManaging parking for orientation events required significant staffing for on-site traffic control and distribution of permits. Additionally, physical signage had to be placed and maintained, consuming time and resources.
Data blind spotsThe lack of a centralized, digital system left the Parking Services team unable to effectively track permit usage, attendee registration, and real-time revenue. This hindered their ability to make data-driven decisions to improve processes.
Offstreet's solution for SDSU orientation
To address these inefficiencies, SDSU implemented Offstreet as part of its orientation parking strategy. The platform’s flexibility and digital-first approach allowed the university to modernize its operations and solve long-standing challenges.
.svg)
Offstreet offered a digital link for students to register vehicles for specific orientation dates, with automated windows ensuring permits were valid only for the chosen date.
The platform’s GPS functionality eliminated the need for physical signage, with registrants receiving clear directions to their designated parking location.
Offstreet provided detailed reports on parking registrations, allowing SDSU to track usage, enforce regulations, and calculate revenue accurately.
Outcomes
The impact of Offstreet on orientation parking...
Increased revenue
SDSU experienced a significant growth in parking revenue from new student orientations over the summer of 2024—compared to breaking even in previous years. The Parking Services department collected fees directly, ensuring that funds supported operational needs..Operational efficiency
The need for physical signage and extensive on-site traffic control was drastically reduced. A single QR-code sign at the garage entrance provided registration access for late registrants, saving time and labor.Customer satisfaction
The transition to Offstreet was well-received. Orientation attendees appreciated the ease of digital registration, and refund and license plate correction requests were minimal. New Student Parent Programs praised the system’s efficiency and subsequently adopted Offstreet for other events.
Associate Director of Parking & Transportation Services
Streamline parking on campus
Improve your guest experience, reduce time
spent managing guest parking, and reduce
your reliance on hardware.
