What happens when we stop accepting "the way it's always been done" and start asking better questions? 

 

That theme carried through every episode of Our Parking Industry Podcast this month. From municipal innovation in Australia to smarter vendor partnerships, a fresh approach to parking enforcement, and a bonus episode that challenges one of the most influential voices in parking history, these conversations all encourage us to think differently about the future of our industry. 

 

Episode 16: Customer Choice and Smarter Parking with Trent Prior

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How do you modernize a parking program without making life harder for your customers? 

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In Episode 16, Krista Olien and Leigh Thomas sit down with Trent Prior, Manager of Business Services for the Town of Victoria Park in Western Australia, to explore exactly that. Trent shares how his team successfully transitioned away from cash payments while actually expanding customer choice through multiple pay-by-phone options and a thoughtful, data-driven approach. 

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The conversation goes beyond technology. It highlights the importance of strong vendor partnerships, staff buy-in, and using real operational data to make informed decisions instead of reacting to assumptions. It's an inspiring look at what can happen when innovation is paired with clear goals and a willingness to challenge the status quo. 

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Episode 17: What Parking Leaders Should Demand from Technology Vendors

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Have you ever wondered if you're asking enough from your technology providers? 

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Building on the previous episode, Krista, Leigh, and Clyde Wilson discuss why parking professionals should define their operational needs before beginning the RFP process, not after vendors start presenting solutions. 

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This roundtable explores the value of creating a clear blueprint, prioritizing customer experience, and expecting technology partners to collaborate rather than simply sell products. Whether you're managing a municipality, university, airport, or commercial operation, this episode offers practical advice for making technology decisions that truly fit your organization. 

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Episode 18: Inside The Lane Featuring The Tire Tag 

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Parking enforcement isn't always a popular topic, but what if it could be more effective and less frustrating? 

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In our latest Inside The Lane episode, Krista speaks with Bart Christensen, President of The Tire Tag, about a unique self-release immobilization system designed to improve compliance while simplifying the experience for both operators and parkers. 

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The discussion focuses on how straightforward technology, clear communication, and an emphasis on compliance, not punishment, can improve operations and increase citation resolution. It's a fascinating look at how even traditional aspects of parking management continue to evolve. 

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Bonus Episode: Donald Shoup Changed Parking. Is It Time to Rethink the Data? (Listen Here!)

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This month's bonus episode asks one of the biggest questions we've ever tackled on the podcast, and it's already generating conversation. 

Donald Shoup's The High Cost of Free Parking transformed the parking industry and continues to influence parking policy, urban planning, and transportation decisions around the world. There's no denying the impact of his work. But should research published more than two decades ago still be treated as universal truth in today's rapidly changing world? 

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In this thought-provoking discussion, Krista, Leigh, and Clyde respectfully examine how technology, travel behavior, payment systems, rideshare, delivery services, navigation apps, and customer expectations have fundamentally changed since 2005. Rather than dismissing Shoup's work, they ask an important question: How do we honor influential research while ensuring today's parking decisions reflect today's data, technology, and customer expectations? 

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Not everyone will agree with the perspectives shared in this episode, and that's exactly the point. 

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The best conversations happen when we challenge assumptions, examine the evidence, and remain open to new ideas. Whether you find yourself nodding along or strongly disagreeing, this episode invites every parking professional to think critically, evaluate their own operations, and ask whether long-standing industry beliefs still reflect the realities on the ground today. 

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We hope it sparks meaningful discussion across the industry. 

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Join the Conversation 

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Whether you're interested in innovative municipal parking strategies, selecting the right technology partners, exploring new enforcement solutions, or diving into one of the industry's most debated topics, there's something for everyone in this month's lineup. 

We invite you to listen, share your thoughts, and subscribe to Our Parking Industry Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. 

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After all, some of the most meaningful progress begins with a simple question: What if we looked at parking a little differently?