A Probabilistic Model for Analyzing Campus Parking Policies

In order to evaluate alternative policies for over-issuing permits for a limited number of parking spaces, this paper develops a probabilistic model that allows several classes of users to be considered simultaneously. The sensitivity of the model to its underlying assumptions is derived and illustrated with data from a case study. The paper shows how its model can be used to evaluate over-issuance policies such as common over-issuance of several lots and mixing different classes of users in one lot. It also discusses the factors to be considered in implementing this approach in the context of a total-parking-system model incorporating other means of satisfying user demands on parking spaces. The model is of an inventory type and is applicable to other problems where there are various classes of customers with varying demand characteristics.