Pay-By-Phone Parking Headed To NYC
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg said New York City drivers will soon be able to pay for parking at the city's 14,000 meters by cell phone and online.
The outgoing mayor said Thursday the city has begun the search for a company to offer the pay-by-phone service.
The service would eliminate the need for paper receipts placed on car dashboards. Drivers will instead be able to enter a number on the meter that will identify their location.
Traffic enforcement agents will then be able to use a handheld device to determine if you've paid. Drivers would also be able to pay for parking using an app on their smartphones.
"Innovative solutions like these are making it easier for everyone to get around New York City and will be a boost for business across the five boroughs," Bloomberg said.
Many drivers seemed to like the idea of the new program.
"Sometimes it's more convenient," driver James Quiles said. "If there's no change in your pocket, you might not have your credit card or debit card, you can use your phone."
"This technology is really going to help a lot of people and I think it's great, I really do," said driver Henry Colon.
Belmont resident Henry Colon told CBS 2's Janelle Burrell that it would be a step up from the current meter system.
"I actually had an incident where I went to pay the meter and the time was off. I got a ticket for that," colon said.
The city conducted a successful pilot project with similar technology along Arthur Avenue in the Bronx earlier this year.
The program is expected to be rolled out citywide in 2015.
Drivers will be able to sign up for accounts that will include their license numbers, plate numbers, and credit card information. When they park they can enter the information of the meter closest to their spot and their cards will be billed directly.
The app also comes with a feature that alerts drivers when their time is about to expire. It allows them to add minutes without returning to their cars.
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