💰 Designing the Pricing and Rates Page

Part of the SmartParkSD Project

🎯 Purpose of the Page

Parking costs are often confusing and inconsistent across time, location, and meter type.
The Pricing and Rates Page is designed to offer clarity and transparency to users—helping them understand what they’ll pay, when, and why. It supports smarter trip planning and builds trust with users.

🧱 Page Goals & Core Features

🧠 What should this page do?

  • ✅ Show hourly rates for all meter zones
  • ✅ Indicate time-based pricing (e.g. surge or peak-hour rates)
  • ✅ Display maximum stay durations
  • ✅ Allow filtering by area or ZIP code
  • ✅ Support mobile-first readability
  • ✅ Clarify how dynamic pricing (if any) works
  • ✅ Link to city payment policies and contact info

✍️ Design Breakdown

🗺️ 1. Interactive Zone Map (Top Section)

Function:
Give users a bird’s-eye view of pricing zones across the city.

Design Elements:

  • Color-coded zones by price range
  • Tooltip on hover with: base rate, hours enforced, and restrictions
  • Toggle to highlight meters with surge pricing
  • Click-to-zoom on specific areas

Why It Matters:
Users can visually identify where affordable parking is available—and plan around high-cost areas.

🔍 2. Pricing Table (Main Content)

Function:
Provide detailed pricing info in a clear, sortable table.

Design Elements:

  • Columns: Zone Rate/hr Enforced Hours Max Stay Notes
  • Sort and filter tools (e.g., by cost, zone, restrictions)
  • Icons or badges for special notes (e.g., “No Sunday Enforcement”)

Why It Matters:
Not everyone prefers maps. A list-based view ensures accessibility and helps users compare options directly.

📅 3. Time-Based Rate Breakdown

Function:
Clarify how pricing may change based on time of day or week.

Design Elements:

  • Timeline or tabbed breakdown per zone
  • Clear indicators of peak hours
  • Textual explanations: “From 4–6PM, rate increases to $3/hr due to high demand”
  • Tooltip definitions for “dynamic pricing” or “surge rates”

Why It Matters:
Time-based pricing is complex. Users need to know not just the cost—but when the cost applies.

🛂 4. Rules, Limits & Exceptions Section

Function:
Explain other non-price constraints or policies.

Content Includes:

  • Maximum stay durations (e.g., 2 hours max in Zone A)
  • Weekend/holiday enforcement info
  • Vehicle type exceptions (e.g., motorcycles, EVs, delivery vans)
  • Links to official city documents or ordinance references

Why It Matters:
Parking decisions are about more than cost. This section helps users avoid tickets or misinterpretations.

❓ 5. FAQs Section

Function:
Answer common questions about rates and enforcement.

Sample Questions:

  • Why does the price change at certain times?
  • Are rates different for residents or employees?
  • What happens if I overstay a meter?
  • How do I dispute a parking charge?

Why It Matters:
Reduces user confusion and helps prevent calls/emails to city support.

🔐 Optional: Logged-In User Enhancements

When a user is authenticated:

  • ⭐ View preferred zones or saved areas
  • 🔔 Set alerts if pricing in a zone changes
  • 📜 View recent transactions or payment history (if integrated)

🛠️ Technical Considerations

Component Tech Used
UI Framework Bootstrap
Mapping Leaflet.js or Google Maps
Rate Data Source Static JSON or city API
Time-based Logic JavaScript front-end display
State Management React / Context API or Redux

🧪 Mobile-First Focus

We designed this page to work seamlessly on mobile:

  • Tables collapse into cards with summary stats
  • Map can be toggled full-screen
  • Pricing details readable with minimal pinch-zooming
  • FAQs collapse/expand via accordion

🎯 Success Criteria

  • ✅ Rates are clear, consistent, and easy to find
  • ✅ Users understand when prices vary and why
  • ✅ Page loads fast, especially on mobile
  • ✅ Fewer support requests related to “how much does it cost?”
  • ✅ Users feel empowered to make informed decisions

🏁 Final Thoughts

The Pricing and Rates Page is more than just a table of numbers—it’s a transparency tool.
By giving users clear insight into costs, we reduce friction, improve compliance, and build public trust in SmartParkSD.

Clear rates. No surprises. Smarter parking.