Birmingham Announces Mobile Payment Options with Parkmobile USA
BIRMINGHAM -- The city of Birmingham announced a planned Tuesday launch for its Parkmobile mobile parking payment service.
Motorists can now pay for parking with cell phones using Parkmobile's native mobile applications for the iPhone, Android, Windows 7, and Blackberry smartphones. Merchants can also pay for customer parking on Parkmobile's website.
To use the new Parkmobile system patrons can register for free at www.parkmobile.com. Once registered, motorists can use a mobile app, the internet, QR code, or call toll free at (800) 280-4146 to pay for parking. Parkmobile users will select the zone and parking space numbers printed on the Parkmobile stickers on each meter. After setting up an account customers can immediately start using the system with their registered mobile phone. Customers can add more time to a meter from their phones, as long as the posted time limit is not exceeded. Text message alerts are available to advise motorists that meter expiration time is impending.
Said Albert Bogaard, CEO of Atlanta, Ga.-based Parkmobile USA Inc.; "With this technology, customers no longer have to search for change at their destination. Our mobile payment service is an example of another technology that can make our lives easier and more efficient."
Birmingham is the sixth Michigan city to offer Parkmobile payment solutions. Ferndale, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Petoskey, and South Haven also offer Parkmobile as a payment option.
"It is our hope that the ease of parking will encourage people to stop in Birmingham. Whether it's to shop, dine or play, a quick visit to Birmingham just got easier," said Birmingham City Manager Robert Bruner.
Meters in Birmingham have varying time limits and cost 50 cents to $1 per hour depending upon location. Use of Parkmobile will add a fee per transaction depending on how the customer opts to use the service. Parkmobile USA has payment options including standard (43 cents per transaction fee) and preferred customer ($1.75 per month and a 35 cents per transaction fee). A new Mobile Wallet payment option is expected to be available in September to provide parkers and merchants the opportunity to establish a virtual account in various amounts to minimize individual transaction fees. Parking patrons may also continue to pay for meter time using coins.
A promotional opportunity is underway to celebrate this program and encourage people to establish accounts with Parkmobile. Birmingham patrons who register with and use Parkmobile between Aug. 24 and Dec. 15 will be entered into a drawing for free metered parking for all of 2013.
This parking "prize" will allow one lucky winner free parking during 2013 at all street meters and also at metered spaces located in lots 6, 7, and 9. The free parking grand prize is non-transferrable and does not provide for unlimited stay at parking meters – maximum time limits at meters apply and will be enforced.
Visit the Parkmobile tent during the Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 18 at the intersection of Old Woodward and Brown for a chance to win or for additional information.
More at www.parkmobile.com or www.enjoybirmingham.com.
