Together with Arivo, Stadtwerke Wolfsburg (municipal utilities) modernized three centrally located parking garages with approximately 1,200 parking spaces by introducing a digital parking system. Operations are now largely automated, manual processes have been eliminated, and staffing requirements have been reduced. At the same time, parking has become noticeably easier and faster for users. The project clearly demonstrates how municipal utilities can manage even complex parking infrastructures within a single, integrated system.
The City of Wolfsburg, known as the headquarters of Volkswagen, fundamentally modernized a key part of its parking infrastructure together with Arivo. The three centrally located parking garages—Rathaus, Phaeno, and Hauptbahnhof—comprising approximately 1,200 parking spaces in total, were converted to a new digital parking system. The new solution went live in August 2025.
Before the upgrade, parking operations relied heavily on manual processes. Cash payments were still common in the garages, and cash machines had to be emptied twice a week—a task that alone took up nearly two full working days every week. On top of that, frequent repairs were needed, tickets had to be restocked weekly, and technical issues occurred regularly, often requiring staff to be on site.
Administrative work was equally time-consuming. Long-term parking contracts were printed, SEPA direct debit mandates had to be collected, and signatures gathered. The result was a high volume of paperwork and long processing times.
At the same time, the deadline for compliance with Germany’s Cash Register Security Regulation was drawing closer. By December 31, 2025, the existing systems would have required extensive technical upgrades, including new software and hardware—at considerable cost, without delivering any meaningful improvement to daily operations.
Faced with these challenges, Stadtwerke Wolfsburg made a clear strategic choice. Rather than continuing to invest in outdated systems, the organization decided to fundamentally modernize its parking operations. “Why put money into an old system when you can work with a modern, future-ready solution?” explains Ralf Todtenhöfer, Head of Infrastructure and Authorized Signatory at Aufbau-Gesellschaft Wolfsburg mbH.
The objective was straightforward: to implement a fully cashless, digital solution with minimal wear-and-tear components, reduced maintenance effort, and a clear long-term perspective.
The new solution had to meet a set of highly complex requirements:
Freeflow operation: All three parking garages were designed to operate in free-flow mode, reducing both upfront investment and ongoing operating costs. The low-maintenance setup eliminated the need for 24/7 on-call service and helped prevent congestion at entry and exit points, ensuring a smooth and convenient parking experience.
To handle this level of complexity within a single system, the implementation was carried out in close collaboration. Requirements were reviewed, solutions refined, and progress aligned in regular four-week meetings with management. Looking back, Ralf Todtenhöfer says, “That worked very well.”
Since the system went live, its biggest impact has been felt in day-to-day operations. “The system runs automatically, which means far less manual intervention is needed,” says Ralf Todtenhöfer.
Routine tasks such as cash handling, emptying cash machines, refilling tickets, and many repair activities have been completely eliminated. The time saved allows parking garage technicians to focus on higher-value tasks like maintenance, cleaning, and coordinating external service providers. A position that became vacant due to an employee’s retirement did not need to be filled, further reducing ongoing operating costs.
Operational processes have also been streamlined. Working hours were adjusted, eliminating night shifts after 10:00 p.m., while Sunday work is now only required in exceptional cases. At the same time, operations remain stable even without constant on-site staffing—providing significant relief for both employees and the organization.
Administrative processes have also benefited from digitalization. Customers applying for long-term parking contracts now receive an access link and enter all required information themselves. SEPA mandates and approvals are handled digitally and completed within seconds, significantly reducing paperwork.
The parking experience has improved significantly for users as well. Entry and exit are now smooth and free of waiting times. Drivers no longer need to pull up close to a ticket machine to take a ticket, which also eliminates the risk of scraping barriers or protective rails when entering.
The difference compared to the previous setup is especially noticeable. In the past, technical issues often caused queues of several vehicles and considerable frustration. “There used to be five or six cars backed up—that doesn’t happen anymore,” says Ralf Todtenhöfer. As a result, the new system has been very well received by both customers and employees.
Today, parking is fully integrated into Wolfsburg’s digital city services. The Wolfsburg App shows real-time availability of parking spaces across the city’s garages. Payments can already be made via EasyPark and Parkster, with direct in-app payment through the Wolfsburg App currently under development.
The Wolfsburg project shows that moving to a digital parking system is about much more than upgrading technology. It’s about rethinking workflows and simplifying operations through automation and digital services.
The result is clear: significantly lower operating costs, leaner processes, and high levels of satisfaction among both employees and parkers. Above all, the project proves that even complex municipal parking requirements can be implemented reliably with the right, experienced partner.
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Ralf Todtenhöfer
Head of Infrastructure and Authorized Signatory
at Aufbau-Gesellschaft Wolfsburg mbH
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