Scoop: Richmond airport to add smart parking sensors to garages

Driving the news: The plan is in the extremely early phases, which means details are TBD.

• But RIC spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios that airport commissioners expect to issue a call for bids by this summer.
• The sensor system would have the same company designing and building it, Bell said.

How it works: The type of sensors used by other airports varies, but they usually change colors to show what's available (green) or taken (red). Some systems use blue for ADA spots.

• The most common are the ceiling-mounted ultrasonic ones. Others, like at Seattle's airport, use cameras to track spaces.

Yes, but: Don't get too excited. Installs in Richmond could take more than two years.

• Fingers crossed it'll be done by the time the airport finishes consolidating its two TSA screening areas in early 2028.
• In the meantime, enjoy being able to pay for parking with your E-ZPass.