BISS: Paystation Retrofit in Rīgas Satiksme

Rīgas Satiksme, the public transport and parking authority of Latvia's capital, sought a cost-effective solution to modernize its parking infrastructure without the high costs of a full system overhaul. Their outdated paystations resulted in increasing operational expenses, limited functionality, and growing user dissatisfaction.

BISS introduced a strategic paystation retrofit, upgrading 200 paystations (150 on-street and 50 in reserve) across six different zones with advanced software and enhanced internal technology. Based on our calculations, this has helped Rīgas Satiksme to save up to 70% compared to just changing the out-dated paystations altogether. The modernization improved efficiency, enhanced user experience, and ensured a sustainable, future-ready parking system.

Challenges Before the Retrofit

Before implementing the retrofit, Rīgas Satiksme faced several operational challenges:

• High Maintenance Costs: Aging paystations required frequent servicing, increasing expenses.
• Lack of Transparency: The absence of a centralized system made it difficult to monitor performance and revenue.
• Limited Functionality: Users had restricted payment options, limiting revenue potential.
• User Dissatisfaction: Outdated interfaces frustrated customers and reduced convenience.
• Inflexibility: The rigid, outdated system hindered necessary upgrades and adaptation to evolving demands.

These issues underscored the need for a modern, adaptable solution that could streamline operations, improve the user experience, and facilitate future enhancements seamlessly.

Smart Retrofitting for Maximum Efficiency

Instead of a costly full replacement, BISS implemented an innovative retrofit strategy, upgrading internal components while retaining the existing housings, screens, and POS devices. This solution delivered:

• Lower Costs: A cost-efficient alternative to complete hardware replacement.
• Rapid Deployment: Faster and smoother implementation with minimal disruption to daily operations.
• New Revenue Streams: Additional services such as monthly parking permits and post-payment notices.
• Seamless System Integration: A fully connected system integrating four key internal platforms: the payment hub, post-payment module, data lake, and operations hub.

With this new solution, Rīgas Satiksme now benefits from an open and flexible system, enabling regular UI/UX updates and feature enhancements to maintain a modern and efficient parking experience.

Impact & Results

"BISS provided us with the tools to modernize our parking operations, reduce costs, and enhance user satisfaction – all while staying ahead of future needs." – Rīgas Satiksme

The paystation retrofit led to significant improvements in Rīgas Satiksme’s parking operations:

• Fast Implementation: Custom software was developed in just four months, followed by the installation and activation of 150 paystations in only 2.5 months.
• Enhanced Connectivity: The upgraded paystations were successfully integrated with four major internal systems, ensuring a more efficient and connected parking network.
• Increased Transactions: The modernization enabled over 50,000 transactions per month, with 15% of total revenue now generated from additional products like post-payment notices.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Real-time monitoring and proactive alerts minimized downtime, leading to a more sustainable financial model.
• Sustainable Digital Transformation: Electronic receipts provide users with instant transaction records while reducing environmental impact.

The Future of Smart Parking

The successful retrofit of Rīgas Satiksme’s paystations demonstrates how cities can upgrade their parking infrastructure efficiently and affordably. By improving efficiency, sustainability, and revenue generation, BISS has delivered a cost-effective, scalable, and future-proof solution.

Looking to modernize your city’s parking system? Join our webinar tomorrow: Next-Generation Paystations: Cost-Effective Solutions for Modern Parking. Learn how smart paystation retrofits can transform your parking infrastructure. Register now!

About SIA BISS

With 25 years of experience, SIA BISS is a leading automation company in the Baltics dedicated to improving operational efficiency for businesses of all sizes. Our software and hardware solutions streamline processes in parking management, vehicle flow, EV charging, access control, and work time tracking. By enhancing customer experiences and optimizing services, we help businesses increase revenue and achieve operational excellence.