Saba and Mobile Worker Plus develop parking app

Parking operator Saba and technology firm Mobile Worker Plus have developed a new app for railway stations. The baliza app has been launched at car parks Saba operates for train operating company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates the Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern networks.

The app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, allows payment for its users. It uses Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing for parking to be booked ahead of time.

The app covers station car park locations operating with or without automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. A ‘late pay’ feature allows users to pay for their stays up until the end of the day.

To use the app, users need to add a mobile number. By enabling Bluetooth on their mobile phones they can receive notifications and be fast tracked to the relevant daily product based on when they enter the car park.

Unlimited numbers of vehicles can be added using the facility. Users will also be informed if a credit card is due to expire.

Alex Cleland, regional commercial manager at Saba, said: “Working with Mobile Worker Plus to deliver the new baliza app was quick and efficient. The platform was integrated into Saba’s existing product portfolio. Designed with our customers at the forefront, it will make payments quick and stress free.”

Mobile Worker Plus is a technology provider to the parking industry and has worked with Saba to enable engagement with employees and clients.

Previous products developed by Saba and Mobile Worker Plus include a lone worker app to support employees working alone in the field. They have also developed a Blue Badge Portal to support disabled users parking at GTR station car parks controlled by ANPR. Blue Badge holders can register for an annual free e-parking permit, enabling them to park free of charge at GTR stations.

Neville Adams, sales director at Mobile Worker Plus, said: “We have been working with Saba for a number of years. For this solution, we were supported by our technology partner Giant Leap Technologies based in Norway.”