The author of “Parking the Future” explores the challenges and opportunities that autonomous vehicles present for cities and parking professionals.
By Jay Landers
Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is poised to transform urban mobility, but how will it reshape parking? In her new book “Parking the Future: How Autonomous Vehicles Will Transform Urban Mobility,” Brooke Krieger explores the intersection of AV technology, urban planning, and smart parking systems, offering insights into how cities and parking professionals can adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape.
As the regional sales director (U.S.) for mobile parking payment products provider ParkMobile, Krieger brings a unique perspective that bridges both public and private sector challenges in implementing new mobility solutions. For this Q&A article, Parking Today posed questions to Krieger about her book, the future of parking in an AV-driven world, and what industry leaders can do to stay ahead of the curve.
PT: Your career spans urban technology, mobility, and parking innovation. How have these disciplines shaped your perspective on the future of parking?
Krieger: At its core, parking in urban development is really about space utilization. If we can become more efficient in how we use that space, leveraging technology and data-driven solutions, cities will ultimately need less parking. This opens opportunities to repurpose valuable urban real estate for people and environment-centric initiatives, such as green spaces, affordable housing, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. However, having a background in politics and government, I understand the challenges that come with implementing change, especially in urban development. Budget constraints, political cycles, and term limits often create barriers to long-term planning. That’s why strategic, phased implementation is crucial. Cost-effective solutions need to align with city priorities and show tangible benefits early on to gain public and political support. My experience across both public and private sectors has given me a unique perspective on how to balance these factors to drive meaningful change in the way cities approach parking and mobility.
PT: How did your experience in both the public and private sectors influence your insights in “Parking the Future”?
Krieger: My experience in both the public and private sectors is at the heart of why I wrote “Parking the Future.” Early in my career, working in government, I saw firsthand how complex and challenging it can be to implement change, especially in urban development. Funding limits, political considerations, and competing priorities often meant that even the most innovative ideas faced an uphill battle. Later, when I transitioned into the private sector, I saw the incredible potential of technology to solve these challenges, but I also realized that adoption wasn't just about having the right tools. It was about understanding how to implement them strategically within the realities of government processes.
I wrote this book because I recognized a growing disconnect between where technology is headed and how cities are planning for the future. The conversation around AVs and smart parking was accelerating, but many of the practical, operational challenges that cities and parking professionals face weren’t being addressed. I wanted to bridge that gap — to provide a roadmap that helps cities and industry leaders think beyond just the technology and focus on how to implement it effectively, strategically, and sustainably. My goal was to take everything I’ve learned, from policy to technology to urban planning, and create a resource that helps shape a future where parking and mobility work in harmony to make cities more livable.
PT: What motivated you to write this book at this moment in the evolution of AV technology?
Krieger: I noticed a significant gap in how the parking industry was talking about AVs. While AV technology is advancing rapidly, the conversation about how parking and mobility infrastructure will adapt was largely missing. This disconnect inspired me to research and write “Parking the Future” and to spark dialogue and prepare industry leaders for the profound changes ahead.
PT: In your view, what is the most pressing issue for cities to address as they prepare for AVs and smart parking systems?
Krieger: Infrastructure readiness is the most pressing issue, but an equally critical challenge is the effective collection and utilization of data. Cities need to modernize their infrastructure to support AVs. This includes smart sensors, curb management systems, and electric vehicle charging networks. However, without comprehensive data collection and analysis, cities will struggle to make informed decisions about optimizing their space, improving traffic flow, and adapting to changing mobility patterns.
Data is the key to unlocking efficiency, but many cities lack the systems or expertise to harness it effectively. They need to focus on building data ecosystems that integrate insights from parking, traffic management, and mobility providers to create a holistic view of their transportation network. This data-driven approach will allow cities to forecast demand, dynamically manage curb space, and allocate resources more efficiently.
Ultimately, the challenge lies not only in upgrading physical infrastructure but also in developing the digital infrastructure that enables smarter, more responsive urban mobility solutions. Without a strong foundation of both, cities risk falling behind as AV technology continues to evolve.
PT: Your book emphasizes the transformation of parking systems with AVs. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for parking professionals in this shift?
Krieger: The biggest opportunity lies in the reimagining of urban spaces. As AVs reduce the need for traditional parking, cities and operators have a chance to repurpose valuable real estate for more people-centric and sustainable uses. This shift can enhance urban livability and economic vitality by prioritizing space for residents, businesses, and public amenities over idle vehicles.
However, one of the biggest challenges will be navigating the financial and operational changes that come with this transformation, particularly the shift in revenue models. Traditional parking revenue streams, such as hourly fees, permits, and citations, are tied to human-driven vehicles and conventional parking behaviors. As AVs increasingly self-park in offsite locations or operate within fleet-based models, cities and operators must rethink how they generate revenue. New monetization strategies will be needed, such as dynamic curb pricing, access fees for AV fleets, and partnerships with mobility service providers to capitalize on curbside demand.
Additionally, enforcement models will need to evolve. With fewer human drivers to ticket, cities will need to rely more on automated compliance solutions, leveraging technologies like license plate recognition, geofencing, and Internet-of-Things-enabled monitoring systems to ensure AVs adhere to regulations. This shift will require investment in digital infrastructure and policy adjustments to balance revenue generation with fair and efficient enforcement practices.
Overall, while AVs bring exciting possibilities, the challenge lies in developing adaptive, forward-thinking strategies that account for shifting revenue streams, operational complexities, and the evolving demands of urban mobility.
PT: How will traditional parking business models need to adapt to accommodate autonomous fleets?
Krieger: Traditional parking business models will need to undergo a fundamental shift as autonomous fleets become more prevalent. One of the most significant changes will be the movement of ‘parked’ vehicles from high-demand, on-street spaces to off-street facilities designed specifically for fleet operations. With AVs able to reposition themselves when not in use, cities will have the opportunity to reclaim valuable curb space for more dynamic, people-focused uses.
In “Parking the Future,” I introduce the concept of FleetHubs, centralized off-street facilities that serve as strategic hubs for AV staging, charging, maintenance, and dispatching. These hubs will replace the traditional model of scattered, underutilized parking spaces with purpose-built infrastructure that optimizes fleet operations while minimizing urban congestion. FleetHubs will enable higher density storage, automated valet services, and seamless integration with mobility networks, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective approach to urban parking management.
Revenue models will also need to evolve to accommodate this shift. Rather than relying on individual transactions from drivers, parking operators will increasingly focus on business-to-business partnerships with fleet operators, offering subscription-based models, bulk space reservations, and value-added services like charging and data analytics. This transition will require a deep understanding of AV fleet behavior, peak demand times, and efficient allocation of parking resources to ensure a seamless flow of vehicles within the urban ecosystem.
Ultimately, the future of parking will be less about accommodating individual vehicles and more about managing the movement and needs of autonomous fleets, requiring cities and operators to rethink their infrastructure and revenue strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
PT: What advice would you give to parking professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly autonomous world?
Krieger: Start embracing technology now. Invest in data analytics, smart infrastructure, and digital payment systems. Engage in industry conversations about AVs and build partnerships with mobility providers. Most importantly, stay adaptable. Technology is moving fast, and the most successful professionals will be those who can evolve with it.
PT: How can parking operators and technology providers work together to ensure seamless integration of AVs into urban mobility ecosystems?
Krieger: Collaboration is key. Operators need to communicate their operational needs, and technology providers must design solutions that address real-world challenges. Joint pilot programs, shared data initiatives, and co-developed infrastructure projects will help create seamless integration between AVs and existing mobility systems.
PT: You write about how AVs will redefine urban spaces. Can you share an example from your research where cities are already embracing this change effectively?
Krieger: One example I explore in “Parking the Future” is Oslo, Norway. Oslo has made bold moves to reduce car dependency in its city center, reclaiming streets and parking spaces to create pedestrian-friendly zones, bike lanes, and green spaces. While not yet heavily focused on AVs, Oslo's urban planning serves as a model for how cities can prepare for an AV-driven future. The city has strategically invested in removing on-street parking and replacing it with off-street facilities that could easily transition to FleetHubs as AV technology advances. By prioritizing infrastructure for shared and autonomous mobility, Oslo is laying the groundwork for a future where cars no longer dominate public spaces.
PT: Are there any misconceptions about AVs or smart parking systems you hope your book helps to dispel?
Krieger: A major misconception is that personal AVs will dominate the market. In reality, fleet-based AV models, used for goods delivery and shared mobility, are more likely to predominate. Another is the belief that technology alone will solve parking challenges. Without thoughtful policies and infrastructure, even the best technology won’t deliver its full potential.
PT: What role do you see policymakers playing in facilitating the adoption of AVs and smart parking systems?
Krieger: Policymakers play a critical role in creating regulatory frameworks that enable innovation while ensuring safety, equity, and accessibility. They must prioritize infrastructure investment, update zoning and land-use policies, and craft regulations that support the integration of autonomous vehicles and smart parking systems into urban environments. Policymakers also need to balance the push for innovation with public concerns around data privacy, security, and equitable access to these technologies.
For example, Singapore has been a leader in crafting forward-thinking policies to support AV adoption. The government has designated specific areas as AV testing zones and has created a regulatory sandbox that allows private companies to experiment with AV technology in real-world settings. Singapore also uses data-driven policies, such as dynamic road pricing and comprehensive traffic management systems, to optimize urban mobility. This approach demonstrates how policymakers can foster innovation while addressing key urban challenges, such as congestion and land-use efficiency.
By combining strategic policy planning with collaboration between public and private sectors, cities can create environments that encourage the safe, efficient deployment of AVs and smart parking systems, ultimately leading to more sustainable and livable urban areas.
PT: How can public-private partnerships be leveraged to accelerate the deployment of these technologies?
Krieger: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) allow cities to access cutting-edge technology without shouldering all the risk or cost. By partnering with tech companies and parking operators, municipalities can pilot new programs, build smart infrastructure, and scale successful models more quickly. PPPs are essential for balancing innovation with public interest.
PT: What do you hope readers, particularly those in the parking industry, take away from “Parking the Future”?
Krieger: I hope readers recognize that the parking industry is at a crossroads. AVs and smart technology present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. I want industry professionals to feel empowered to lead this transformation by embracing innovation, collaborating across sectors, and rethinking how parking can contribute to more livable, efficient cities.
Have you recently written a book about parking? Or know of one that you think others in the industry need to read? If so, contact Parking Today at editor@parkingtoday.com to let us know!
JAY LANDERS is the editor-in-chief of Parking Today magazine. He can be reached at jay@parkingtoday.com.
