New Loading Zones Arrive
Loading Management Zone (LMZ) at 1708 North High Street
On November 17th, the City of Columbus and curbFlow officially launched a new curbside management program to address the growing demand for curb space for deliveries, parcels and passenger pickups and drop-offs. At a press conference in front of Aracri Pizzeria on High St., delivery drivers, community leaders, local businesses and curbFlow addressed the increasing demand for curb space and how smart curb management will help make streets safer, more productive and cleaner.
Robert Ferrin, Assistant Director of Parking Services, City of Columbus, stated “The demand for curb space has increased due to growth in e-commerce, freight and on-demand deliveries and ride hailing. Our goal is to make streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and delivery drivers and more efficient for businesses. This curb management program is going to help us accomplish that today and inform policy decisions in the future.”
Matt Hansen, Executive Director, University District Organization, said “In the University District we have all kinds of action at the curb and everyone recognizes the problem and wants a common sense solution to improve the congestion. We have a tight community here and what is exciting about this program is that it is all built around the current challenges we face -- from the locations of the zones to the feedback from commercial operators – and we believe that a data-driven approach is really going to help improve the safety and efficiency of our streets.”
Vincent Valentino, Sustainability Manager, Land-Grant Brewing Company, said “As a sustainability manager, I’m particularly excited about the environmental benefit that results from reduced idling and fewer vehicles circling the block looking for parking. Land Grant is a very local company, and we are proud of the City of Columbus for taking steps to make our streets safer, more productive and cleaner for all.”
Palmo Aracri, Owner, Aracri Pizzeria, said “I rely on drivers picking up our orders and delivering them in a timely manner and am excited for curbFlow to manage the curb space and reduce the double parking because it will increase our efficiency. We are
really looking forward to working with curbFlow to ensure the people delivering our food are safe and don’t feel constantly delayed and stressed out so hungry customers receive their orders quickly.”
Mariah Ray, DoorDash Public Policy and Partnerships Lead who was not in attendance added, "Reliable, real-time access to the curb reduces wait times for Dashers and restaurant partners, enabling DoorDash to execute our operations more efficiently. We're excited for Dashers to use the Loading Management Zones in Columbus and appreciate that the City and curbFlow are partnering to create smart, innovative efficiencies around curb management using technology."
Ali Vahabzadeh, Founder and CEO of curbFlow, said “On behalf of our team, we’re excited to be here in America’s Smart City providing Columbus with air traffic control for the curb. Today’s transportation challenges require new, innovative thinking and that is exactly what Columbus leaders are all about. It’s exciting to partner with a city, agency and stakeholders that all share the same goal: achieving safer and more productive curbs and streets.”
curbFlow, a mobility company that coordinates commercial operator pickup and drop-off activity to available curb space in real time, will manage the 12-month pilot program that begins Nov. 18 at 9 locations Downtown and along the North High Street corridor. Locations were picked where commercial loading and on-demand pickups and drop-offs often lead to dangerous double parking that blocks crosswalks, and travel, bike and bus lanes. The Loading Management Zones (“LMZs”) are clearly marked and will be used by both commercial vehicles and private vehicles operating in a commercial manner, such as for ride-hailing and online food delivery service or other online platforms. Drivers will use an app to reserve and check in and out of LMZs and can register today at: https://www.curbflow.com/Columbus. To learn more about curbFlow’s curb management program call 614-754-6858.