Smart parking plan Expert says rates can change according to driver demand
THE North Queensland Cowboys are following their on- field success with an off- field signing that will see the club continue to thrive.
The Cowboys have re- signed with their longest- running sponsor Toyota, which has been with the club since 2003, in a multi- year deal.
Star Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo, who signed a 10- year contract extension with the club DYNAMIC parking pricing where the cost of a car space fluctuates according to demand could help ease Townsville’s parking woes, according to a national industry body.
Lorraine Duffy, chief executive of Parking Australia, said dynamic parking was a supply and demand model that meant when parking demand was this year, said the sponsorship signing was a massive deal for the club.
“For us to be successful on the field we need strong support off the field and at the Cowboys we’re so blessed to have committed partners like Toyota,” Taumalolo said.
“I’ve pledged a long- term commitment to this great club, and Toyota and the North Queensland Toyota Dealers have done the high, so was the price. “Dynamic/ demand- based parking uses periods of high and low demand to your advantage by adjusting pricing accordingly,” Ms Duffy said.
“Think of it a bit like ride hailing apps such as UBER; they calculate how many app users in a given vicinity are seeking rides, while taking into account real- time traffic conditions, setting the price based on what the consumer is willing to pay.
“The objective for parking is to ensure Townsville retains its same, having been our principle sponsor for 15 years and counting.”
Cowboys CEO Greg Tonner said it was a win- win for both parties.
“Toyota has been by far our longest- running principal partner,” he said. “Each organisation is enormously proud of the partnership, and that’s because it’s a perfect fit in such a connected, committed and passionate community.” v i b r a n c y across all periods, whether it’s during work hours, w e e k e n d s and evenings and that drivers aren’t circling the streets, getting frustrated.”
The suggestion comes after 106 car parks in Flinders St West, Eyre St and Jones St were converted from free parking to paid spaces.
The move was unpopular
Toyota Australia’s Sean Hanley said the company was looking forward to continuing their work with the Cowboys in the community.
“Toyota already has a fantastic relationship with the Cowboys Community Foundation – the club’s fundraising arm – and this renewed partnership will only strengthen that connection,” Mr Hanley said. with nearby businesses who said the change would drive their customers away.
Since the car spaces were changed, they have only about 20 per cent occupancy.
Ms Duffy said implementing new parking technologies were becoming more affordable but suggested they should be trialled in the city first.
“An ever- expanding wireless sensor network and the widespread use of smartphones makes it easier than ever to gauge demand and take advantage of dynamic pricing,” WHAT A FEELING: Jason Taumalolo at The Ville ResortCasino for the sponsorship announcement. she said. “However, key to the success of implementation is to trial this first. This would not be easy but demand based pricing will ultimately give drivers more choice, allowing them to decide what they are prepared to pay depending on the time of the day and location.
“Data is the key to any successful implementation and the information the council can source from just trialling this type of ‘ smart’ parking will assist with their decision making and transparency to ratepayers.”