Pay-by-mobile parking meters may be coming to Minneapolis early in the New Year, according to the Star Tribune.
Several months ago the city requested proposals from companies willing to provide the service and the city staff have returned to recommend Parkmobile USA. Other companies who submitted bids include CALE, IQA, MobileNow, Pango, Passport, and Software for Good.
If approved by City Council, the technology would be made available in 2015, following a limited field test. The system is expected to have “minimal to no cost” according to the report.
It may reduce parking capital costs, since there could be less need in the future for physical pay stations.
The mobile payment systems allow drivers to easily add money to their parking meter by using a smartphone app or placing a phone call.
Additional benefits envisioned include text messages to alert users their space is about to expire, and allowing users to pay for a space while inside their vehicle during severe weather.
