AI Parking at El Paso Airport: Beware the Past

0:00It's April 7th. This is El Paso News today, local news powered by AI. El Paso International Airport kicks off AI-powered parking with Metropolis technologies this Wednesday, April 8th. The tech promises smooth, drive-in, drive-out scans using license plates to cut wait times. But heads up, this company's got a rocky past with big legal settlements over shady billing. Back in January, Tennessee's Attorney General nailed Metropolis with an $8,750,000 deal after more than three. Hunter complaints rolled in. That cash covers refunds plus $2,250,000 in free parking credits for folks there. New rules force clear signs at entrances, text alerts on rates, and a 15-minute grace period with no charge. Tennessee officials called it out as protecting hardworking people from surprise fees and bad service. They want upfront prices and quick fixes if tech glitches. Metropolis reps say those grabs came from a 2022 buy-out of another firm and claimed they've overhauled operations nationwide.

1:07Laws who's keep piling up though, a June 2024 class action in Tennessee hits them for fake parking tickets and mishandling personal info. Then in September, Texas firm sued over a scheme adding massive fines to tiny unpaid tabs like 70 bucks on a $5 stay. Airport folks didn't comment, but with 841 Better Business Bureau complaints in three years, El Paso drivers might want to snap picks of signs and double check those plates before rolling out.