Challenges

Pay stations can't prevent misuse

• Carpoolers could exceed the monthly limit of three permits by repeatedly swiping ID cards.
• The system lacked preemptive controls, allowing overuse to go unnoticed until monthly manual report reviews.
  
• This undermined policy enforcement and fairness in the rideshare program.
  
• Exploitation by some users reduced the program's sustainability, disadvantaging rule-abiding participants.
  

Poor user experience

• Permit issuance depended on physical pay stations, requiring in-person retrieval.
• Manual processes caused delays, especially during peak hours, as guests queued at stations.
  
• Increased traffic congestion occurred in parking structures and surrounding major thoroughfares.
  
• Staff spent excessive time troubleshooting and managing manual processes.
  
• Resources were diverted from other priorities due to inefficient systems.
  

Frequent system failures

• Pay stations frequently faced maintenance issues, especially connectivity problems in parking structures.
• Malfunctions often left guests unable to retrieve permits, leading to frustration and complaints.
  
• An already overburdened maintenance team struggled to keep up with repairs.
  
• Guests lacked a reliable system, forcing staff to implement inefficient workarounds.
  

Solution

Eliminated misuse with greater controls

• Offstreet allowed USC to enforce a three-per-month permit limit for users.
• Real-time restrictions replaced the previous reliance on end-of-month reporting to catch overuse.
  
• The system proactively prevented misuse, ensuring program fairness.
  
• Eliminated the need for manual intervention, saving time and streamlining operations.
  

Simplified user experience

• Rideshare participants could register and receive permits directly via mobile devices.
• Eliminated the need to visit pay stations, improving user convenience.
  
• Reduced bottlenecks and delays during peak hours.
  
• Enabled remote permit issuance, allowing participants to register before arrival.
  
• Streamlined the process and improved overall traffic flow.
  

Integrated enforcement with LPR

• Offstreet integrated with USC’s license plate recognition (LPR) system for seamless operation.
• Permits were linked directly to vehicles’ license plates, removing the need for physical permits.
  
• Simplified enforcement by enabling digital compliance verification for parking officers.
  
• Reduced errors, improving accuracy and efficiency in the enforcement process.
  

Enhanced flexibility for staff and users

• Customizable features allowed USC to tailor permit rules to the rideshare program's specific needs, including usage restrictions and expiration dates.
• Staff could quickly adjust settings, such as creating one-time-use links, improving operational efficiency.
  
• Enhanced customer service by enabling faster and more flexible responses to user requests.