Tenaga Car Parks introduced Solar Powered Parking Meters by the name of CWT Compact to the parking industry of Sri Lanka. The machines were launched and implemented at Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha Colombo as part of a pilot project.
The introduction of the parking meter to Sri Lanka is a result of the exclusive partnership that Tenaga established with CALE Access. Adding strength to this venture is Dialog Axiata, the exclusive technological partner for the parking meters. The NFC technology-enabled parking meters will have six payment options available-coins, debit cards, credit cards and Touch Cards, eZ cash and Add to Bill solutions courtesy of Dialog. The NFC Touch Cards facilitates contactless payments and transport ticketing, while eZ Cash allows Dialog and Etisalat customers to carry out payments and transactions using their mobile phones. The eZ Cash facility could also be extended to cover other service providers. The Add to Bill solution, enables the user to key in the mobile number and other necessary details after which a PIN will be provided to utilise the parking facility. The charges will be added to the user’s phone bill.
“This is the first time in Sri Lanka that parking meters are being introduced,” said Duminda Jayathilake, Managing Director – Tenaga Car Parks. “Also this is not only a parking meter but an intelligent machine through which many value-added services could be implemented in the long run. Further, this is the first time not only in Sri Lanka but in South Asia that such a parking meter of this calibre is being introduced. His Excellency the President has envisioned the country being a knowledge hub where technology will play a prominent role in the country’s development. We in our own way, through such endeavors as introducing new technological components to the parking industry in the country hope to contribute towards this vision as well.”
CALE Parking Meters combine the latest technology with a unique design that focuses on energy conservation and efficiency. Powered by solar panels, the machine utilises daylight to charge its 45A battery, which has a guaranteed lifetime of five years. Built using stainless steel and aluminum, the CWT Compact is sturdy and durable and can withstand temperatures between -35 to 60 degrees Celsius. Equipped with CALE-patented electronic lock system with intrusion sensors and tough materials, the machine boasts of high security against vandalism and Tenaga hopes to install CCTV cameras, which will provide a method of monitoring the area where the machine is present. Further the machine could be used as a mode of advertising where advertisers could display relevant information in the back of the parking ticket. Not only that the multi-faceted aspects of the machine enables tourism friendly features such as accommodating google maps as well as other necessary travel information.
“This pilot project is implemented to gauge the reaction of the public on the parking meters and we hope to in the future to work very closely with the Colombo Municipal Council to expand this venture to the whole of Colombo and subsequently to work with other municipal councils to extend the service island-wide,” explained Jayathilake. “Further Dialog partnering with us is a huge milestone for the parking industry itself. Essentially parking was earlier more nuts and bolts business, there was not much technology involved. Due to the advancements and innovation introduced by Dialog, now it is becoming a technology-based industry.” As such Tenaga is already looking to enhance their services through a Mobile App named Tenaga Mobi Parkx, which allows you to see parking availability, locate a car park/get directions to a car park and reserve your parking slot. The App will also act as a payment gateway and is slated to be launched in the near future. Moreover, Tenaga is looking to introduce a co-branded Tenaga pre-paid parking card as well.
