Making Parking a Breeze with AI: PCI’s Raf Abanilla Talks Going Digital
In a world where parking needs to be fast, seamless, and smart, Parking Concepts, Inc. (PCI) is showing how to get it done. Celebrating 50 years of operations, PCI has stayed ahead by embracing change without losing its people-first roots.
We spoke with Rafael Abanilla, Senior Vice President at PCI, about how the company is blending tradition with innovation, from AI-driven access to sustainability and digital transformation.
Interview with Raf Abanilla, Senior Vice President, Parking Concepts Inc.
Q: Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little about what Parking Concepts Inc. does?
Raf: My name is Rafael Abanilla. I’m the Senior Vice President at Parking Concepts, Inc., a parking operator based in Irvine, California. We partner with parking asset owners across sectors—airports, municipalities, and the public sector, as well as commercial and hospitality clients. We offer a full range of services, from valet and automated garages to digital parking platforms.
Q: PCI turns 50 this year—congratulations! What are some key lessons you’ve learned from being in the business this long?
Raf: We’re very excited to be celebrating our 50th year. Being a legacy company, we’ve learned that service and culture are the foundation of everything we do. We’re a people-first company. As the industry evolves, we’re actively pivoting with it, leveraging technology and innovation while staying true to our values. It’s all about adapting without losing sight of who we are.
Q: What have been PCI’s biggest achievements over the past year?
Raf: 2024 has been a landmark year for us. In addition to our anniversary, we’ve launched several new platforms. One of our biggest successes is Breeze Parking, our white-label, all-inclusive digital parking solution. It brings together a variety of partners and technologies under one umbrella. Our clients have embraced it enthusiastically.
We also recently launched our first AI-powered platform, which has helped us elevate operations and the parker experience in meaningful ways.
Q: Have you noticed any shifts in parking behavior lately?
Raf: Absolutely. There’s a clear trend toward digital parking and automation. Parkers are now using maps and various digital tools to procure parking more conveniently. But while we embrace these technologies, we’re equally focused on maintaining exceptional service and supporting our people. That’s what sets us apart.
Q: How has PCI incorporated sustainability into your operations?
Raf: Sustainability is a growing priority, especially here in California. We’ve rolled out Breeze EV, which includes EV charging integrated into our Breeze platform. We’re partnering with various providers to offer flexible, white-labeled charging options that align with our overall innovation strategy.
Q: What are your predictions for the parking industry in the next few years?
Raf: AI is going to be a major driver. Operators are getting smarter, clients expect real-time data, and customers want seamless experiences—from booking parking to accessing facilities. We’re continuing to enhance our Breeze platform to meet those expectations.
Q: Paper tickets have long been part of the industry. What are some problems they caused?
Raf: Paper tickets come with a lot of challenges—repair and maintenance costs, lost or damaged tickets, faded barcodes, and more. These issues degrade the customer experience and add operational overhead. That’s why we’re moving toward ticketless systems.
Q: How are your customers reacting to the new ticketless system?
Raf: Overall, very positively. Of course, there’s an adjustment period. That’s why we deploy ambassadors at locations to support the transition and assist parkers. With proper training and support, it’s been a smooth shift—and well-received.
Q: Were there any challenges during the transition?
Raf: Definitely. Behavior change takes time. Communication, stakeholder engagement, and staff training are essential for success. Advanced messaging before going live makes all the difference.
Q: Speaking of staff, how tough is training during this shift?
Raf: Like with any new system, the beginning is tough. But with the right prep and communication, teams adapt quickly. We’ve got a great team, and we’ve put a strong training structure in place to ensure smooth transitions.
Q: How accurate is license plate recognition now compared to earlier years?
Raf: It’s come a long way. Initially, LPR had its challenges, but with the advancements in AI, it’s now our primary credential method for ingress and egress. The accuracy and reliability have improved significantly.
Q: How do you see AI further enhancing ticketless parking?
Raf: AI continues to evolve. We’re training our systems with more data, and as it learns, we expect it to drastically improve customer experience and operational efficiency. It’s a long-term investment with big payoffs.
Q: Has ticketless parking improved your operations?
Raf: Absolutely. We’ve seen reductions in operational costs and entry/exit queuing, especially in high-traffic event locations. We also have use cases showing measurable efficiency gains.
Q: Is there more demand now for ticketless solutions?
Raf: Yes. Many parking locations are actively reaching out to explore digital and ticketless options. The demand is only growing.
Q: What advice would you give to parking operators considering a switch to digital?
Raf: Choose a true partner—someone who’ll support you and your clients through challenges. Do your homework, assess your portfolio, and understand your use cases. Don’t rush into deploying new tech. It’s about thoughtful implementation and reliable support.
Q: How has your experience with Get My Parking (GMP) been?
Raf: It’s been great. We’ve partnered with GMP for about two years now, deploying several solutions under the Breeze umbrella. GMP has been a thoughtful and responsive partner, not just for the U.S., but with a global perspective. We’re very appreciative of the collaboration.
PCI’s looking forward to an AI-powered future!
With 50 years of experience and a forward-thinking approach, PCI is well-positioned to lead the parking industry into its next phase. By integrating AI, digital parking solutions, and sustainability initiatives, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in parking management.
As the industry shifts, PCI’s commitment to innovation and parker service remains steadfast—proving that even after five decades, they’re just getting started.
🚗 Curious how the AI bit of it all works?
Explore the technology behind Breeze Parking on the ExpressLane platform—Get My Parking’s AI-powered, LPR-based access and automation solution.
Check out our website to learn more!