RSS FeedDDOT Launches Pay By Phone Parking Meter Pilot
We’ve received a couple of emails from PQ residents about being ripped off at the new multi-space meters. This blogger has also donated $1 to the parking gods for 2 whole minutes of parking (we guess the max time button wasn’t feeling generous that day).
So, DDOT is rolling out a new way to pay for your parking on April 12: by phone. While only available at select multi-space meter locations, parkers will be able to dial a phone number, enter a location code and enter desired amount of time. Your credit card will be linked into the pre-registered online account to actually pay for the parking. Want to add another hour? Just dial it in – no need to revisit your car and put a new stub of paper on your dashboard. We see this new method of paying to park a promising one. But, we also see potential for more parking angst. Sound off in the comments section!
The DDOT press release is pasted after the jump.
DDOT Launches Pay By Phone Parking Meter Pilot
Cashless Payment Service Will Begin April 12
Highlights:
- Mobile technology offers users convenient way to pay for parking
- Program will be tested in 3 downtown areas
- Motorists urged to sign up for FREE account
(Washington, DC) –There’s a new way to pay for parking in the District, and all you need is a mobile phone. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today launched a Pay by Phone pilot program that will eliminate the need to carry change for the meters or run back to your car to add more time. This cashless payment option will be offered at 700 parking spaces in three areas: Dupont Circle, Union Station, and downtown on K Street, I Street, and New York Avenue, NW.
“This service will greatly improve the parking experience for many of our residents, because it’s so simple to use,” said DDOT Director Gabe Klein. “No one likes to carry a lot of change, but almost everyone has a cell phone, and all it takes is one call to pay for a meter.”
DDOT will begin operating the service on April 12, but motorists can sign up today at paybyphone.com or by calling 1-888-510-PARK (7275). Drivers will need to provide their mobile phone number, license plate and credit card number.
Once they are signed up with a free pay by phone account, users just follow these simple steps to make a payment:
- Call the toll free number from their mobile phone
- Enter the location number that is posted on the meter or nearby signs
- Enter the parking time desired.
The appropriate total will be charged to their credit card. A history of transactions is viewable any time the user logs into their account.
When paying by phone, motorists may also select the option to receive a text message reminder minutes before their time expires and can also call back to add additional parking time remotely from any phone, provided they won’t exceed the parking time limit. That feature greatly reduces the chance of a parking violation.
“Pay by phone service is an important part of our commitment – spelled out in our 2-year Action Agenda – to find innovative solutions to update our outdated inventory of parking meters,” said Director Klein. “We are going to take advantage of the most cutting-edge technology to improve the parking experience city-wide.”
DDOT has already installed multi-space meters throughout commercial corridors in the District replacing many old and non-functioning single space meters. Also, the department is currently testing solar-powered single space meters that take credit cards as well as coins.
The District’s pay by phone pilot service will be provided by Verrus Mobile Technologies, Inc.
“We’re excited to be launching Pay by Phone in the DC area,” said Verrus Co-Founder, David Spittel. “Our service takes the pain and hassle out of everyday parking, and once registered, motorists can use their Verrus account in the 100-plus cities we service as well.”
More Information About Pay By Phone
How Does It Work?
Pay by phone parking is convenient, easy and safe. Here’s how it work:
1. Call 1-888-510-7275 (PARK)
2. Enter Location # (posted on parking meters)
3. Enter Number of Minutes
How Do I Sign Up?
First time users simply need to set up a FREE account. You can do this by calling 1-888-380-7275 (PARK) or online at paybyphone.com. To set up an account you will need:
1. Mobile phone number
2. Credit card (Verrus accepts VISA, MasterCard)
3. The license plate number of your car(s)
The next time you call, your details will be automatically recognized and all you have to enter is the location # on the meter and the amount of time you wish to park for.
What are the benefits?
- No need for cash or credit cards at the meter
- Text message reminders when parking time is almost up
- Extend parking time remotely from any phone to avoid tickets
- No need to display anything on your dashboard
- Save money by only paying for the exact time you park
- Pay for parking from the comfort and safety of your vehicle
- View and print parking receipts online
How do I add an additional vehicle to my account?
You may add up to nine vehicles. Click here and log into your account or
Call the parking line at 1-888-510-7275 (PARK) and follow the instructions.
How does the parking officer know I’ve paid by phone?
When you pay for your parking by phone, your license plate and parking time are automatically displayed on a handheld device used by the parking enforcement officer.
Does Pay By Phone parking cost extra?
Normal parking charges apply and will be charged to your credit card.
Is it safe to do a credit card transaction on a mobile phone?
Yes. Your credit card number is encrypted when you sign up and is never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.
When will I see the transactions on my credit card statement?
Each time you pay for your parking by cell phone the payment is processed in real-time. The amount of time that elapses before it shows up on your statement will vary depending on your credit card company.
Do I get a receipt?
You can view all your transactions by logging into your account at paybyphone.com. All parking charges can be printed in the form of a receipt if desired.
Where can I park and use pay by phone?
During the pilot program, Pay by Phone will be offered at designated meters in the following areas:
- Dupont Circle
- Union Station
- K Street, I Street, and 900 Block of New York Avenue, NW
The meters will have green stickers that indicate they accept pay by phone payments.
Maps of the specific blocks where Pay By Phone payments will be accepted, will be posted on the DDOT website at www.ddot.dc.gov.
Can I transfer my time to another meter?
No, customers cannot utilize pay by phone time on another meter in a pay by phone zone or on other non-pay by phone blocks.
Can I add more time to my pay by phone meter?
Yes, you can call back to add additional parking time remotely from any phone, provided you won’t exceed the parking time limit.
For example, if a customer is at a 2 hour meter and stays for the entire 2 hours, they will not be allowed to purchase time again in that zone for 30 minutes. They can purchase time in other zones but not in the same.
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Comments
@Anonymous – you may want to check out this post we did in November
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Does anyone else in Penn Quarter hear this ridiculous construction on E Street? It seems that every Saturday morning they start drilling into the street at 7am. I’m on the top floor of Clara Barton and my unit is shaking- I can’t even hear the tv. The police and 311 hotline were both useless. Maybe a post will help.