Transforming Parking at Los Angeles International Airport with an M4 Smart-Sensor System

March 10, 2021

TKH Security (Park Assist) has been awarded the Parking Guidance System (PGS) contract for Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) new parking facility. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. This new garage, an approximately 4,300 stall parking structure, will provide drop-off/pick-up locations and short and long-term parking options. The four-story parking structure will be the first component of LAX’s Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), opening in 2021. Once completed, this facility is expected to be the new front door to LAX. Utilizing TKH Security’s M4 smart-sensor system ensures that each traveler will be treated to next-generation guidance from entry to exit, helping to streamline departures and remove additional stress from the airport parking journey.

Given TKH Security’s (Park Assist’s) experience as a leader in the parking sector, LAX chose to implement the proprietary camera-based M4 PGS to monitor occupancy and provide guidance throughout the garage. Designed to help parkers quickly and easily locate available parking spaces within the facility, the M4 system directs hurried travelers through the garage by indicating which spaces are available with color-coded LED lights. This not only enhances the customer experience by significantly reducing the search and park times for travelers, but it also improves traffic flow and relieves congestion to ensure the facility is operating at maximum efficiency.

Along with TKH Security’s exclusive M4 technology, the Airport’s PGS will also come equipped with several software add-ons including, Park Select-Rate, Park Finder, and Park Alerts.

The customer-centric Park Finder software module utilizes LPR (license plate recognition) technology to ensure that parkers can easily pinpoint their vehicle upon returning from travel. Using a Park Finder enabled pay station, travelers enter their license plate number into the system and are guided to their vehicle. The Find Your Car locator searches a database of parked vehicles in the garage, identifies the correct license plate number and corresponding vehicle, and provides step-by-step directions to get to the car.

Additionally, Park Select-Rate allows parking management to easily designate spaces for premium pricing. Once a vehicle enters a premium space, the smart-sensor feeds the vehicle ID and location data to the Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems (PARCS) – which then applies the premium rate to the associated vehicle. This provides a VIP experience for the end-user and allows the Airport to create value for frequent flyers while driving new revenue streams.

Park Alerts increases control and security in the garage. This software extension allows parking management to set automated time and license plate-based rules and alerts that help staff regulate activity in the facility, enabling management to respond to any violations quickly.

“It is great to see TKH Security (formerly Park Assist) help another West Coast top 10 U.S. airport enhance its parking experience. The M4 system provides equal benefits to LAX and its travelers, ensuring that travelers are treated to the highest level of guidance while optimizing how the parking facility operates.” Said Will Cai, Regional Account Manager.

The project is already underway and targeted for completion by the end of May 2021.