Owner comparison
Metropolis alternative: run your own lot with Park Graph
Sources checked: . Operators change their offers; follow the source links for their current terms.
What Metropolis says it does
The facts below are Metropolis's own words or a close paraphrase, each with the page it comes from. Park Graph adds nothing to them.
| Fact | Source |
|---|---|
| Describes itself as an artificial intelligence company “whose computer vision platform enables checkout-free payment experiences.” | [2] |
| Closed its acquisition of SP+ on May 16, 2024, which it says made it “the largest parking network and operator in North America with more than 4,000 locations.” | [2] |
| Acquired Premier Parking in 2022. | [1] |
| Says its computer vision “powers checkout-free drive-in, drive-out parking” and calls its drivers “Members.” | [3] |
| Publishes no pricing for property owners on its site. | [3] |
Metropolis's model vs. running it yourself
This is the same operating-model comparison as on how to make money from a parking lot. The Metropolis column describes the model in general terms; contract terms differ lot by lot.
| Question | Park Graph | Management company (Metropolis) |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs the lot | You do, from your phone — Park Graph is the software | The management company, under a management agreement or lease |
| Who sets the rates | You — an hourly or daily rate with an optional daily cap, changed any time from your dashboard | Typically the operator, within the contract terms |
| How they get paid | A published per-transaction fee: 10% on the free Starter plan, down to 3.3% | A management fee, or the revenue above a fixed lease payment |
| Contract | None on Starter; Pro and Enterprise bill monthly or annually | Multi-year agreements are common |
| Hardware | A printed QR sign | Often gates, pay stations, staff, or entry cameras |
| Where the money goes | Paid out to your bank through Stripe Connect. Your first payout is released 7 days after your first payment, once your ID check is done. After that, payouts arrive 2 business days after each payment. | Collected by the operator, remitted on its reporting schedule |
| Enforcement | Your call — your staff or a local tow partner, with plate lookup built in | Usually staffed by the operator |
| AI assistants + public API | Listed lots are findable through the public REST API and MCP server on every plan; bookings through an assistant on Pro and Enterprise | Varies by operator |
What Park Graph costs
Park Graph publishes its prices. Starter is free with a 10% fee per transaction (min $0.75) and up to 3 lots. Pro is $499/mo with a 5% fee (min $0.25). Enterprise is $2,499/mo with a 3.3% fee (min $0.10). Standard Stripe processing fees apply on top. Your first payout is released 7 days after your first payment, once your ID check is done. After that, payouts arrive 2 business days after each payment.
To compare with a revenue share you were quoted, enter both numbers in the “How much do you keep?” slider or the parking lot revenue calculator.
When Metropolis is the better fit
- You want camera-based, checkout-free entry and exit, with no scan at all.
- You want a national operator to run the site for you.
Park Graph is the better fit when you want to keep the lot, set the rates and see every payment yourself, with one printed sign instead of gates or cameras.
Switching to Park Graph
- Create a free account and name your lot.
- Set your hourly or daily rate.
- Print your QR sign and post it at the entrance.
- Connect Stripe to get paid; your first payout follows your first payment.
If a current agreement still covers the lot, check its terms first: under a lease or management agreement the operator usually runs collections until it ends.
Sources
Checked October 19, 2026.
- Metropolis — About (https://www.metropolis.io/about)
- Metropolis newsroom — Metropolis closes acquisition of SP+ (May 16, 2024) (https://www.metropolis.io/newsroom/metropolis-closes-acquisition-of-sp-plus)
- Metropolis — homepage (https://www.metropolis.io/)
Other owner comparisons
Keep your lot. Print a QR code.
Start free on Starter: no hardware. Set your rates and post the sign this afternoon.
FAQ — Metropolis or Park Graph
- Does Metropolis need cameras at my lot?
- Metropolis describes its platform as computer vision that enables checkout-free payment. Park Graph needs no cameras: drivers scan a printed QR code and pay on their phone.
- Does Metropolis publish what it charges owners?
- No published rate as of October 19, 2026. Park Graph publishes its fee: 10% on Starter, 5% on Pro and 3.3% on Enterprise.
- Do drivers need an app or account with Park Graph?
- No. Drivers scan the sign with their phone camera and pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or a card — no app download and no account.
- Can AI assistants book my lot?
- Listed lots can be found through Park Graph's public API and MCP server on every plan. Bookings through an assistant are on Pro and Enterprise.