Automotive Minute: Atlanta’s Phoenix Parking Solutions adapts CDC guidelines to valet parking industry

As restaurants and shopping centers gradually open up and expand services, one less-often thought of aspect of the industry is having to adapt its entire business model. Valet parking companies can't simply offer to-go services or limit the number of people shopping at any one time.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, traveling by public transportation was 10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile in 2019. However, with the influx of Covid-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shifted its guidance on using public transportation, even listing it as one of the riskier behaviors for transmission of the disease.

Data published by Apple Maps shows requests for transit information continues to remain low while driving information is continuing to gain steam, indicating that more people are taking to the road instead of opting for public transportation. This also means they're busy looking for parking spots and remain dubious about valet parking.

Phoenix Parking Solutions owner Jeff Patterson sees both sides of the issue: "The normal valet process is the opposite of what should be happening during this pandemic. Right now, people are hesitant to valet their cars, and rightly so. A valet handing you a paper ticket in close proximity does not feel safe during Covid-19."

Patterson, whose business mainly consists of a restaurant, country clubs, retail, and event clients, operates in Georgia — and in an industry that remains largely unregulated. He used National Parking Association resources to educate himself on the dangers of Covid-19 specifically relating to the valet industry. The organization, of which he is a member, offered sanitation seminars. He also collaborated with peers in the hospital valet space to replicate procedures that were designed by medical facilities.

"We've created a cashless, contactless solution for valet so our clients can still offer their guests a trustworthy first-class parking option," Patterson said.