Parking Services: Contactless Parking

The Challenge:

With the advance of technology and the popularity of smartphones, paying the parking meter by hand can be viewed as a tedious task for many residents. Not to mention, the hygienics of touching a parking meter during the coronavirus pandemic has been off-putting for some. Additionally, in some areas around town the sidewalks are small, and putting in meters would further crowd the area. The City of Bloomington’s Parking Services Division wanted to simplify parking payments and meet residents “where they are” on their phones. Instead of paying a parking meter for an estimated amount of time, and either overpaying or being constantly worried the meter will run out while you are still away from your vehicle, the Parking Division researched alternative payment methods.

The Idea:

The ParkMobile app proved to be the best solution to these everyday parking challenges of Bloomington’s residents. Starting in October 2020,  motorists now have the opportunity to use a contactless approach to find, reserve, and pay for parking at over 150 spots using the free ParkMobile app in two app-only parking zones in Bloomington:  

• North Walnut Grove Street from East Tenth Street to East Cottage Grove Avenue, and East Cottage Grove Avenue from North Walnut Grove Street to North Woodlawn Avenue  
• North Walnut Street between 11th and 17th  Streets and North College Avenue between 11th and 17th Streets 

While these locations are the first in Bloomington to allow for payment exclusively using the app, contactless parking payment is already available through this app at other metered spaces across the city, where payment may alternately be made with a credit or debit card or coins. Using either an iPhone or Android device, payment may be made by entering the zone number posted on nearby signs, selecting the amount of time needed, and touching the “Start Parking” button to begin the session. Users then stop the meter once they return to their vehicle.  

The app-only zones are available to motorists without a smartphone by calling the number listed at the Pay By Phone sign (1-877-727-5007) and following instructions to pay by credit card.  For those who prefer not to download the app, they can also pay by scanning a QR code or via text. For those who do not have a bank account, the system accepts PayPal (to which people can add funds at any major retailer such as Walmart or CVS). 

The Cost:

Parking meters are expensive to install and maintain, and sometimes are not conveniently located or user-friendly. In some areas of Bloomington, the parking lines on the ground either do not exist or are not clear so paying by meter does not always make sense. Implementing pay-by-app parking has presented a cost-effective solution to these types of problems. ParkMobile has not only cut back on the cost of the meter and parking space maintenance and installation, but it has provided a safer and more convenient option for residents, saving them time and money by making it easier to pay for the exact time you need rather than overpaying. 

The Benefit:

In addition to the cost savings and public health benefits of contactless payment, the ParkMobile app allows users greater flexibility in customizing the length of their parking session and permits re-parking at various locations within a single zone during the same session. It offers a quick and easy way to pay for parking without touching a meter, which many residents find especially important during the coronavirus pandemic. The ParkMobile app may be used to pay for parking in several Indiana cities as well as 400 cities across the U.S. including Chicago, Minneapolis, Columbus, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. Because of its versatility (app, scan, text, call), this system is not limited to those with a smartphone or bank account. 

Metadata:

City Department: Public Works Parking Services

Point of Contact: Michelle Wahl

Partners: ParkMobile

Partner Point of Contact: n/a

Date Implemented: October 2020

Type of Innovation: Technical/Software