Patrick
08-16-2005, 11:56 AM
Many months ago downtownguy discussed some of the new high tech parking meters in other downtown areas. At the same time, Mick Cornett thought the idea was worthy of exploring. These new parking meters take credit cards in addition to coins. They can also serve many parking places, instead of having one meter per parking place.
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"New parking meters tested
By Bryan Dean
The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City officials are testing a new kind of parking meter that will allow customers to pay by credit card or even by cell phone.
One of the new electronic meters, or “pay stations” serves up to 10 parking spaces.
“The parking meters that we have are becoming obsolete,” Transit spokeswoman Amy Ford said today. “No one is servicing them and it’s becoming more difficult to find parts for the meters when they have a malfunction. Everyone is moving to electronic meters.”
Staff from Downtown OKC Inc. pitched the idea after seeing the meters demonstrated at a trade show. The city is trying the new meters for three months beginning next week. Six of the electronic meters will be installed downtown.
Customers will have several options when they pay the new meters. Coins will still be accepted, but the new machines will also take credit cards. Then there is the pay-by-phone option.
Those who want to pay by cell phone will have to register with a website or a toll free phone number, providing a credit card for billing. One account can be used for multiple cell phone numbers. Then you just call a toll-free number and follow instructions when you want to use a meter. "
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"New parking meters tested
By Bryan Dean
The Oklahoman
Oklahoma City officials are testing a new kind of parking meter that will allow customers to pay by credit card or even by cell phone.
One of the new electronic meters, or “pay stations” serves up to 10 parking spaces.
“The parking meters that we have are becoming obsolete,” Transit spokeswoman Amy Ford said today. “No one is servicing them and it’s becoming more difficult to find parts for the meters when they have a malfunction. Everyone is moving to electronic meters.”
Staff from Downtown OKC Inc. pitched the idea after seeing the meters demonstrated at a trade show. The city is trying the new meters for three months beginning next week. Six of the electronic meters will be installed downtown.
Customers will have several options when they pay the new meters. Coins will still be accepted, but the new machines will also take credit cards. Then there is the pay-by-phone option.
Those who want to pay by cell phone will have to register with a website or a toll free phone number, providing a credit card for billing. One account can be used for multiple cell phone numbers. Then you just call a toll-free number and follow instructions when you want to use a meter. "