Higher Education

How USC Streamlined Rideshare Parking with Offstreet

Client:

University of Southern California

Industry:

Higher Education

Region:

United States

Duration:

5 min

Budget:

University of Southern California has been undergoing a major transformation in its parking operations, including a shift to permit-less, digital systems. One key challenge was managing rideshare and carpool programs, which relied on outdated processes and physical infrastructure.

Previously, USC issued paper permits to carpoolers, allowing them to swipe their ID Cards in any entrance POS System to obtain permits. This system presented several challenges, guests could exceed their permit limits due to insufficient restrictions in the system, permit issuance and enforcement required manual oversight, and pay stations frequently broke down, causing delays for users and operational headaches.

As USC transitioned to license plate recognition (LPR) technology, they needed a platform that could simplify rideshare parking, enforce restrictions, and integrate seamlessly with their digital operations.

Challenges

Pay stations can't prevent misuse:

  • Carpoolers could exceed the monthly limit of three permits by repeatedly swiping ID cards.
  • The system lacked preemptive controls, allowing overuse to go unnoticed until monthly manual report reviews.
  • This undermined policy enforcement and fairness in the rideshare program.
  • Exploitation by some users reduced the program's sustainability, disadvantaging rule-abiding participants.

Pay stations can't prevent misuse:

  • Permit issuance depended on physical pay stations, requiring in-person retrieval.
  • Manual processes caused delays, especially during peak hours, as guests queued at stations.
  • Increased traffic congestion occurred in parking structures and surrounding major thoroughfares.
  • Staff spent excessive time troubleshooting and managing manual processes.
  • Resources were diverted from other priorities due to inefficient systems.

Frequent system failures

  • Pay stations frequently faced maintenance issues, especially connectivity problems in parking structures.
  • Malfunctions often left guests unable to retrieve permits, leading to frustration and complaints.
  • An already overburdened maintenance team struggled to keep up with repairs.
  • Guests lacked a reliable system, forcing staff to implement inefficient workarounds.

Solution

Eliminated misuse with greater controls:‍

  • Offstreet allowed USC to enforce a three-per-month permit limit for users.
  • Real-time restrictions replaced the previous reliance on end-of-month reporting to catch overuse.
  • The system proactively prevented misuse, ensuring program fairness.
  • Eliminated the need for manual intervention, saving time and streamlining operations.

Simplified user experience:

  • Rideshare participants could register and receive permits directly via mobile devices.
  • Eliminated the need to visit pay stations, improving user convenience.
  • Reduced bottlenecks and delays during peak hours.
  • Enabled remote permit issuance, allowing participants to register before arrival.
  • Streamlined the process and improved overall traffic flow.

Integrated enforcement with LPR:

  • Offstreet integrated with USC’s license plate recognition (LPR) system for seamless operation.
  • Permits were linked directly to vehicles’ license plates, removing the need for physical permits.
  • Simplified enforcement by enabling digital compliance verification for parking officers.
  • Reduced errors, improving accuracy and efficiency in the enforcement process.

Enhanced flexibility for staff and users:

  • Customizable features allowed USC to tailor permit rules to the rideshare program's specific needs, including usage restrictions and expiration dates.
  • Staff could quickly adjust settings, such as creating one-time-use links, improving operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced customer service by enabling faster and more flexible responses to user requests.

Results

Improved traffic flow
‍The ability to issue permits digitally reduced the need for guests to queue at pay stations, expediting traffic flow during peak periods and reducing congestion on major streets.

Enhanced user satisfaction
‍Initial feedback was negative due to the transition, but as users adapted, responses became overwhelmingly positive. Guests appreciated the convenience of mobile registration and praised the simplified process.

Operational efficiency
‍By automating permit issuance and enforcement, USC significantly reduced manual oversight, allowing staff to focus on other priorities. The system also eliminated reliance on malfunction-prone pay stations.

Gerson Bautista

Senior Manager Special Events & Enforcement at the University of Southern California

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