Parking Ticket Dispensers Key Terms

Some key terms for designing parking ticket dispensers and parking systems

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

Anywhere that parking is at a premium, parking ticket dispensers provide the medium of control for "selling" parking space to customers in an orderly, documented fashion. High-tech parking ticket dispensers really make a garage or lot accessible and convenient. Knowing about some of the basic key terms for features and use of parking ticket dispensers can help businesses brainstorm about what to include in their own lot or garage parking setup.

LCD display

New LCD (liquid crystal display) technology allows for improved screen handling on parking ticket dispensers. These high quality screens help make the process easier for users.
Try: See more on LCD from PC Mag. See examples of parking ticket dispensers with LCD screens at this page from the International Parking Institute.

Magnetic stripe tickets

In parking ticket dispensers, magnetic swipe tickets are often the solution to handling these services with less manpower. The magnet stripe ticket allows for automated payments with data recorded at the time that the ticket is taken. However, there is debate over how these kinds of tickets should fit into a parking system.
Try: See some interesting details on design for magnetic swipe cards and tickets at Steal This Idea.

Peak demand

Peak demand in parking is the term for the time of day when the most users will be entering the system. This is important for parking ticket dispensers where the rate can be adjusted to fit the needs of the lot operators.
Try: Take a look at this case study from U-Plan for an example of how to figure peak demand for a parking lot.

Speed bump

These simple paved constructions are popular for parking lot systems where planners want to be sure drivers slow down enough to comply with aspects of the ticket system.
Try: Get the definition of speed bump at Coaster Globe. See more on speed bumps for parking lots at Interstate Products.

Parking systems

Parking systems are the designs that parking ticket dispensers are a part of. An overall parking system will provide for manpower, control of ticketing, access and all other needs of users and operators.
Try: See more on a variety of parking systems at GlobalSpec.

Credit card reader

A credit card reader is a part of the ticket dispenser structure that will accept credit cards in lieu of cash payment. Because this technology is more costly, many ticket dispensers do not have it built in, but the credit card readers provides convenience for garage or lot users.
Try: See more on a credit card reader as a feature built into a parking ticket dispenser at Amtel.