10 February 2006
Amsterdam makes a strategic choice for ParkmobileFollowing the example of towns and cities in countries including the UK, Germany and Greece, Parkmobile is now to going to launch Call and Park in Amsterdam. Launching Call and Park in Amsterdam is neither new nor unique. But Amsterdam will nevertheless be starring in a pioneer role.
Amsterdam is the first European city to offer Call and Park services via three operators and that can certainly be called unique. Amsterdam has chosen to let market forces work and is promoting competition amongst Call and Park providers. The firm belief that competition would finally lead to the best service for the lowest possible price lay behind this decision. A bull's-eye, as has since been shown. One month after the launch the three operators had spent more on marketing than all operators combined over the past five years. Entertaining promotions and unbelievable offers that went as far as offering free parking worth up to EUR 150 has resulted in huge interest and guarantee a big success for Call and Park services in Amsterdam.
Parkmobile is at the heart of Amsterdam's success. Parkmobile and DST Amsterdam got together in 2005 to develop Lynxx, the system that is needed for efficient, effective running if Call and Park services are to be offered by a number of providers. Lynxx has since attracted the attention of many major cities within the Netherlands and outside and it looks as if Lynxx with its parking rights database and its clearing house facility that collects all electronically paid parking fees is going to become the de facto market standard that paves the way to the successful launch of multi-provider Call and Park services.
In conclusion, Sphynxx, the joint venture between Simac and Parkmobile, has been set up and is responsible for launching Amsterdam's system for enforcement and City Management.