The City of Edmonton partnered with HotSpot to implement a comprehensive parking management solution at a critical time—the Stanley Cup Finals. With a surge in traffic and visitors during this major event, managing parking demand was crucial to ensure a positive experience for residents and visitors. HotSpot manages over 4,000 paid parking spaces throughout the City using Fast Tap signs and digital permits. Edmonton successfully transitioned from its previous system to HotSpot's platform in under eight months. This shift enabled more efficient payment options and real-time parking availability in a map view through our integration with CurbIQ’s curbside management platform.
During the Stanley Cup Finals, parking demand peaked, and the real-time parking map became an essential tool for managing congestion and optimizing space usage. By providing up-to-date information on available spaces within the HotSpot mobile app, drivers were able to make more informed decisions, reducing the time spent circling for spots and easing overall congestion in the City. This solution supported a smoother flow of traffic and allowed event attendees to find parking more efficiently.
HotSpot’s digital permits and Fast Tap signs have become valuable assets for the City of Edmonton, complementing the real-time parking map. By integrating HotSpot’s Fast Tap system into the City’s own branded signage, Edmonton provided a consistent experience for users while enhancing parking accessibility. In just five months since the platform's launch, nearly 45,000 users signed up for the app, generating over $400,000 in revenue from digital and bundled permits. With almost 70% of users utilizing the app for hourly parking, this high user adoption rate directly contributed to increased revenue, highlighting the direct financial benefit of the platform's adoption.
HotSpot’s functionality extends beyond just permits for registered users. Non-registered drivers can also make contactless payments through Fast Tap signs. During the first five months since launch, over 210,000 contactless payments have been recorded in the City of Edmonton. The simplicity and convenience of Fast Tap signs have encouraged more drivers to switch to digital payments, boosting revenue for the City of Edmonton while enhancing parking efficiency and accessibility for both residents and visitors.
The benefits of this technology during high-traffic events like the Stanley Cup Finals extend beyond event management. HotSpot’s real-time parking map and digital payment options are improving the overall parking experience, reducing frustration for drivers, and maximizing space utilization. This project demonstrates how the right technology can support better traffic flow, enhance the overall visitor experience, and provide cities with the solutions needed to adapt to fluctuating demand during major events.