$127K for a POF Machine?

Here’s a deal — The city of Fort Wayne is paying $127,000 for a POF Machine.  At least that’s what this article says.

OK, lets read between the lines — The deal is that the library is having problems since non library users are taking parking spaces it needs. So, it is automating the parking process.  Person pulls a ticket on entry, then on exit, goes to the POF, inserts the ticket and their library card. If they have a card, they park free, if not, they pay.

Hey good idea.  And the $127K -= cheap — they are controlling three lots which means a minimum of three ticket dispensers, three exit verifiers, the POF machine and associated software and installation. From my experience in selling parking equipment, this seems more than fair. Particularly since there will be some special software and system adjustments to enable it to read the library card.

There are many alternative ways of handling the problem, however this one seems to be the more secure, and in the long run, will probably ensure that the library staff doesn’t get too involved in the parking operation.

JVH