FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (February 21, 2013) – PDX Automated Parking Guidance Expanding

Some Long-term Garage Parking Spaces Temporarily Close

Motorists will more easily find long-term parking garage spaces at Portland International Airport with the completion of a new automated parking guidance system later this year.

Meanwhile, some long-term parking garage spaces are now temporarily closing on a rotating basis to allow installation of the parking guidance system. While ample parking spaces are expected most of the time, the long-term parking garage may fill at peak times mid-week, and parking management staff will help direct motorists to other parking options. Parking options, and a gauge showing parking availability for each option, is available at www.pdx.com.

The new parking guidance system will make it easier for motorists to find parking spaces in the long-term parking garage. The system, similar to the system already operating in the short-term parking garage, will minimize parking space hunting and improve customer service. While the long-term garage offers more than 3,000 spaces, its effective capacity is limited when it begins reaching capacity, making it very difficult to find the small number of remaining spaces.

The parking guidance system will provide a sonic detector over each parking stall, connected via computer to a series of variable message signs. As motorists approach each level of the garage, a variable message sign will indicate the exact number of vacant spaces available on the floor. Once on the floor, a red light overhead indicates the space is full; a green light indicates the space is open.