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The LPR vehicle will collect data to optimize commuter experiences on and around UH Mānoa.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has deployed a License Plate Recognition (LPR) vehicle to collect parking data that will be used to maximize and improve access to parking on campus. LPR is an advanced data collection tool that measures parking turnover and stall utilization by scanning license plates and determining how long and in which parking zones vehicles are observed. The LPR is the latest initiative by UH Mānoa Commuter Services to improve on-campus parking.

Similar to the 2018 Manoa Pedestrian Movement Study, data collected by the LPR vehicle will provide insight into utilization patterns of various zones on campus. These results will be cross-referenced with course schedules and used by campus planners to develop data-driven strategies to optimize the commuter experience on and around campus—particularly in areas where there is significant demand for parking.

The data will also be utilized to coordinate with local partners, such as the city and county bus system, to explore alternative transportation options, such as the expansion of express routes or the relocation of bus stops that may help mitigate peak parking demand.

“This is an exciting time for Commuter Services as we look to modernize our approach by utilizing data to provide a better on-campus parking experience for our customers,” said Cate Matsushima, the UH Mānoa commuter and fleet services manager. “Our goal is to provide the best service possible to our students and employees which is why we have initiated so many changes lately, and there is more to come.”

Community cooperation needed

The impact to commuters will be minimal and everyone currently parking on campus are requested to do the following:

  1. Park with a license plate facing out toward the street or parking lot. If your vehicle only has a rear plate, pull into the parking stall nose-in (rather than backing in) so that your license plate is visible to the LPR vehicle from the street or parking lot.
  2. Update your vehicle information on your Commuter Services account. Drivers are encouraged to delete old vehicles and ensure that existing vehicles are connected to a current permit (if applicable). Refer to the following for instructions on:

LPR gives insight into the usage of parking by our University drivers, providing an opportunity to better address their needs,” said Tony Hall, Commuter Services technology analyst. “Community cooperation will aid our goal of optimizing UH’s limited parking supply.”

More information on the LPR project can be found on the Commuter Services’ FAQ webpage.

Other parking initiatives

New flexible and affordable parking options were implemented in 2023 including:

  • $4 daily parking pass for students and employees that can be purchased in advance online;
  • Afternoon parking permits for students and employees that are valid from noon to closing hours;
  • Upper campus $1 parking permits for visitors after 4 p.m.;
  • Improved parking processes;
  • Introduction of a non-expiring payroll deduction permit for eligible employees;
  • More convenient pick up process for student semester parking permits.

The Commuter Services website was overhauled and is more user-friendly. It now features a text message notification service available to provide parking updates in a timely manner.

For more information, visit the Commuter Services website.

parking structure inside

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