// Case Study
Stadtwerke Schwabach
Freeflow Parking at Königsplatz Underground Garage.
Transition from a traditional barrier-based system to a modern, barrier-free freeflow system – while maintaining full operation throughout the entire project. Cameras, displays and post-payment ensure greater convenience and secured revenue.
- Sector: Municipal parking management
- Use case: Freeflow parking (ANPR) & post-payment
- Facility type: Underground garage (city center)
- Technology: License plate recognition, entry & exit displays, LED parking guidance system
// Overview
Initial situation & objectives.
At the Königsplatz underground garage, an existing barrier system was to be modernized during ongoing operations – transitioning to a barrier-free, ticketless freeflow process without stopping at entry or exit.
The goal was to significantly improve user convenience while ensuring secure revenue capture: license plate-based detection, clear user guidance via displays, and a simple post-payment concept – on-site and digital.
- Replace barriers & ticketing – without interrupting operations
- Modernize user guidance & reduce waiting times
- Expand payment options (machine + online) and increase efficiency
Project challenges.
- Close coordination with city and municipal utilities – flexible implementation of individual requirements
- Temporary lane closures while maintaining parking operations
- Balancing construction progress, safety, and user comfort
- Introducing new payment methods: clear, accessible, and robust for daily use
// Impressions
Technology & on-site user guidance.
From entry to payment: the new user guidance was designed so that the entire process is immediately understandable – even without a ticket.
// Solution & implementation
Removing barriers – adding smart technology.
The existing barriers were removed and replaced with a freeflow setup: precise license plate recognition (ANPR), clear user guidance via displays, and LED signage showing available parking spaces.
- Cameras reliably capture license plates at entry and exit
- Freeflow displays guide users clearly through entry, parking, and exit
- LED displays visualize available spaces in the garage
- Planned expansion: two additional displays for city-wide parking guidance
Rollout during live operation.
Implementation was carried out step by step and in close coordination – including flexible adjustments during temporary lane closures. This ensured uninterrupted use of the garage.
- On-site planning & retrofit concept (technology, cabling, sight lines, signage)
- Barrier removal & installation of freeflow components
- Test operation, fine-tuning of recognition & display logic
- Go-live & stabilization with continuous monitoring
Post-payment: Ticketless payment is possible at the WSA payment machine or online via the payment website within 48 hours.
// Analysis
Stable performance since go-live.
Since go-live, the system has been operating reliably and stably. User feedback particularly highlights the intuitive displays and simple payment process.
- Smooth daily operation
- High acceptance due to clear user guidance
- Digital payment options encourage modern payment behavior
Future potential.
The transition provides a solid foundation for continuous optimization – from user communication to additional information points across the city.
- Further expansion of parking guidance (additional displays)
- Optimization of messaging, rules, and payment communication
- Analysis of usage patterns for operational and tariff optimization
// Benefits
Greater convenience for drivers – less effort for operators.
Barrier-free entry and exit, easy post-payment online or at the machine, and clear guidance via displays significantly increase user comfort while streamlining operational processes and improving satisfaction.
Flow instead of congestion
Ticketless entry and exit reduce stops, minimize waiting times, and improve the user experience – especially during peak hours.
Simple payment
Post-payment via machine or online allows users to choose their preferred payment method – clearly guided by displays.
Less maintenance
Eliminating traditional barrier mechanics simplifies operations, reduces failure rates, and supports a modern urban image.
// Technical overview
Project parameters at a glance.
Project scope
- Retrofit of Königsplatz underground garage (live operation)
- Barrier removal & freeflow infrastructure
- User guidance via displays & occupancy indicators
- Expansion: additional parking guidance displays planned (2026)
Technology
- ANPR for license plate recognition
- Freeflow displays for clear user guidance
- Remaining-space displays for available parking spots
- Post-payment: WSA machine & online payment
User process
- Enter without a ticket (license plate is recognized)
- Park as usual – information via displays
- Exit without stopping or congestion
- Pay afterwards at the machine or online
Operations & revenue protection
- Automated capture of parking transactions
- Clear payment paths & user communication
- Reduced failure risk without barrier mechanics
- Scalable for additional locations & information points
Modernize without barriers – during live operation?
Planning a transition to freeflow parking in an underground garage or municipal lot? We support you from planning through rollout to stable live operation.
// Contact & demo