Advanced Parking Meters Gaining Use Along With Credit Cards

By: Jason Collazo

“The world changes. Just as the token went, now the manual meter has gone,” said New York City’s transportation commissioner, Iris Weinshall. As credit card usage is becoming more widespread throughout the economy, more and more companies are using advanced technology that allows for credit card payments. Modern parking meters, referred to as multispace meters, can now be found in many U.S. cities that have an influx of commuters.

Multispace meters have become increasing popular the past year because they provide user-friendly features, such as touch-screen capabilities and credit card payments. In the past, consumers have been bothered by having to carry coins on their person. Because these multispace meters accept credit card payments, drivers will no longer need to worry about coins.

Technology experts have also noted that these newly improved meters will have greater performance capabilities. Though these meters are still susceptible to coin jams, they have been programmed with software that will contact maintenance staff immediately after the problem is detected. This is a great improvement for drivers because dysfunctional meters without this software were often left inoperative.

How does it work? Every parking space is labeled with a specific number. After the driver parks his motor vehicle in that spot, he will need to go to the electronic meter, enter the space number and the parking duration. The driver will then be asked to pay with coins or credit. After this transaction is complete, the meter stores all of this information and prints out a receipt for the dashboard. Enforcement personnel will be able to check for any parking violations directly on the multispace meter or by reading the printed receipts on each vehicle.

The city of Chico, Calif., is currently undergoing a transition into modern parking technology. At a recent meeting at the Economic Development Committee of the City Council of Chico, city planner Shawn Tillman stated that multispace meters cost more than regular meters but will provide more information. The meters can detect usage patterns for individual spots and areas within the parking lot. This could lead to increases in those parking spots that are most desirable. ”If demand is over 85 percent (at a space),” Tillman said, “the price should be raised.” With this increase in price, he hopes that the investment into modern parking technology will pay off as it will cost $200 more per space for the new meters.

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