Big changes are coming to parking operations at the University of Houston, and they’re designed with you in mind. Over the next three months, Parking and Transportation Services will begin a campus-wide rollout of new parking gate equipment and a modernized parking management software system. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency, increase convenience, and improve the overall customer experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The upcoming upgrades will impact every parking garage and gated lot on campus. All gates will be replaced with new, state-of-the-art hardware. At the same time, Parking and Transportation Services is transitioning to a new parking management software platform that offers a more user-friendly interface and streamlined functionality.

These enhancements follow a formal bidding process, where Parking and Transportation Services selected PsX to provide the updated hardware and AIMS to deliver the software solution. Both companies are trusted providers that serve numerous universities nationwide, bringing extensive experience and a strong track record of supporting higher education institutions.

Improved Gate Access with Tap Technology

Anyone with a permit for a parking garage or gated lot is already familiar with swiping their physical Cougar Card to enter or exit. With the new system, this process will become even easier. Permit holders will now be able to simply tap their Cougar Card against the reader at the gate — no more struggling to swipe it at the right angle.

The new tap technology works much like tapping your credit or debit card at a store checkout. Just a quick tap on the reader, and you're in. This makes entering and exiting parking facilities smoother, faster, and more reliable — especially during busy times on campus.

License Plate Recognition (LPR) for Seamless Entry

In addition to tap access, one of the most exciting features of the new system is the installation of license plate recognition (LPR) technology. This will be implemented at the entry and exit lanes at the two Welcome Center garages, as well as the Elgin Street Garage during the first phase. With LPR, your license plate becomes your parking permit. When a registered vehicle approaches a gate, the system will automatically read the plate and raise the gate arm for contactless entry and exit.

The long-term goal is to expand LPR to additional locations campus-wide, further enhancing convenience.

A Better Online Experience

Alongside physical upgrades, the new AIMS software platform will introduce a dramatically improved online portal. Whether you're purchasing a permit, adding or removing vehicles, updating license plate information, or entering toll tag numbers, the new interface makes the process quicker and easier. The platform is mobile-friendly, intuitive, and designed with the user in mind.

These changes reflect Parking and Transportation Services’ ongoing commitment to modernization and customer satisfaction. We’re excited to bring these enhancements to the UH community and will keep you informed throughout the implementation process.

For more information, visit the Parking and Transportation Services website or contact our office directly. Better, faster, and more convenient parking is just around the corner — thank you for your continued support and patience.