The Bryan City Council has unanimously approved the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) system to monitor timed parking in the downtown area. The system, provided by Vert AI, will help enforce parking limits and improve storefront parking turnover.

Background

Since 2023, the city has been exploring ways to manage parking in the downtown area. The goal is to support small business activity, preserve free public parking, and create a more balanced parking management system. The city chose to automate the monitoring process, with law enforcement handling ticketing.

The pilot program will cover 139 spaces on Main Street and surrounding areas, with new signage indicating the designated parking areas. The maximum parking time will be two hours.

Concerns and Next Steps

Council members expressed concerns about the impact on tourists and the local economy. However, Deputy City Manager Joey Dunn assured that the signage will clearly communicate the parking rules to visitors. The council will receive regular updates on the system’s progress.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.