33 AirportImprovement.com November | December 2026 PARKING STS it by the end of the year: Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Richmond International Airport (RIC). The associated AeroParker reservation system is used at 42 U.S. airports, and more than 125 globally. Managing Logistics After an open bidding process, Metropolis was awarded the parking management contract at STS in early 2026, and the project started rolling from there. “We have a good playbook we use to discuss the implementation of the program with airport staff. This is our bread and butter,” Mitchell assures. “Once we were aboard, we held weekly meetings with airport officials to discuss aspects of making the transition, including suggested marketing strategies to reach the general public. Then, for at least 90 days after launch, we still have additional staff on site to help customers with any issues they might have in signing up.” In most cases, the platform is up and running in 30 to 60 days, Mitchell adds. “At STS, we started installation in late April, and had it fully installed by mid-May 2026,” he reports. Metropolis technicians worked to limit the footprint they affected by closing only one lane at a time to install cameras at the entrance points to lots. Crews followed the same strategy when installing cameras and display monitors in exit lanes. Feedback The key advantage for customers is saving time, says Mitchell. “Our studies showed that customers using a ticket in the old system would spend at least 45 to 60 seconds to complete their transaction. Once they are registered with us, it can take only two or three seconds to exit,” he shares. The new system is especially beneficial for frequent travelers. “Once a customer is a Metropolis member, they will be set up at STS for all future trips, assuming they have the same license plate. They also can include multiple vehicles in their account,” Mitchell explains. Registered customers also can use the system at any other airport operating the company’s platform. Mitchell is confident that once customers at STS get used to the new parking system, they will embrace it. “At San Antonio Airport, 95% of travelers are signed up with us,” he says. “And so far at STS, more than 130,000 travelers have signed up as Metropolis members.” As of early October, the Metropolis platform had been up and running at STS for about four months, and Stout reports that parking operations are going smoothly. “So far, we are very pleased with the new system. Complaints are down and customer satisfaction is high,” he reports. “Our frequent travelers have been very complimentary,” Stout continues. “They like the idea of coming in and out, and getting a receipt sent to their cellphone. In most cases, people can exit the airport within two minutes after they get into their vehicle.” www.sprung.com | 1 800 528 9899 | info@sprung.com ALLENTOWN | ATLANTA | CALGARY | DUBAI | DUBLIN | HOUSTON | LOS ANGELES | SALT LAKE CITY | SAN FRANCISCO | TORONTO • Widths from 30’ to 200’ by any length • Limited foundation requirements Snow Removal Equipment Storage Airport Solution of the Month Flexible solutions for terminal and airport operations: Also suitable for: • Snow removal equipment storage • Vehicle inspection facilities • Auxiliary baggage handling and passenger lounge structures • Year-round climate control • Lease or purchase options available Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
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