Tag Archives for: Flowbird

South Orange Parking Authority Updates Its Parking System with User-Friendly Solution from Flowbird

January 11, 2023

 

 

 

South Orange Parking Authority Updates Its Parking System with User-Friendly Solution from Flowbird

New, updated solar-powered pay stations offer faster options than ever before

 

 

 

Moorestown, New Jersey – The Village of South Orange, New Jersey and the South Orange Parking Authority (SOPA) have announced an exciting upgrade to its parking system in partnership with Flowbird Group, the leader in curbside management and urban mobility solutions. SOPA is replacing its aging pay-by-space parking stations with Flowbird’s Pay-by-Plate Solar-Powered Smart Parking Kiosks, fully equipped with the industry’s latest technology. The upgrade is a part of SOPA’s continuing efforts to enhance the customer service experience with a modernized solution.

The new parking system will feature pay-by-plate parking kiosks that are accessible for all customers, including meeting ADA standards. To begin, the user simply enters their license plate number and desired length of stay. Payment will be accepted with either coins, cash, debit or credit card. Once payment has been made, the parking session has started and there is no need to walk back to their vehicle to display a receipt.

By implementing modernized pay stations with convenient payment options, SOPA will be able to better manage parking turnover and visitor influx during peak periods. The switch to these multi-space pay stations will bring a consistent and higher level of customer service to the parking public.

All transaction data from the pay stations are sent in real-time to Flowbird’s intelligent data management suite and shared with the SOPA’s enforcement solution, ready to be integrated with other payment modes such as mobile phone payments. Using the data provided by the Flowbird system, SOPA staff can enforce all permit and daily parking fee payments and track the highest areas of use throughout the day. This data can be valuable to help determine future parking plans.

The new pay stations are live as of January 2023.

Currently, Flowbird supports over 47,000 parking pay stations for 900 customers throughout the U.S. This implementation will add to Flowbird’s expanding list of cities in New Jersey including Trenton, Newark, Morristown, Rahway, and Bloomfield.

www.flowbird.group

New ParkNYC App, Flowbird, Proves to be Unrivaled Success in First 30 Days

December 05, 2022

 

New ParkNYC App, Flowbird, Proves to be Unrivaled Success in First 30 Days

Record-Breaking Numbers in First 4 Weeks

 

 

 

 

Moorestown, New Jersey – Flowbird Group launched the new and improved ParkNYC mobile parking app on October 17th, allowing motorists to pay for on-street and municipal parking in New York City. The new app, implemented by the New York City Department of Transportation, can be used in tens of thousands of parking locations across the five boroughs. In the first 4 weeks of the launch, the app was downloaded an unprecedented 700k times.

About 42% of all parking transactions in New York City are made by phone, which showcases the importance of having an easy-to-use parking payment interface. The new ParkNYC app, launched this October, brings several innovations that aim to streamline the parking experience. Improvements to the app include the ability to pay as you go, in addition to the existing ability to pre-load a ParkNYC wallet. The app also supports the latest models of today’s smartphones, providing users with a better in-app experience than ever before. Users can receive push notifications when time is about to expire, and extend their time through the app.

Thirty days after the launch of the new pay-by-phone ParkNYC app, its success is unmatched. The new app has been downloaded 700,000 times with 500,000 accounts created. In just 4 weeks, the app has processed over 1.8 million parking transactions. Since the launch, ratings for the new app have jumped from 1.4(on the previous app) to 4.6, with over 10k user ratings. Users compliment the new design, thank the development team for the seamless integration, and cite that it is easy to connect.

Customer support has been on standby since launch, helping users transition to the new app platform. As of 30 days post-launch, there are about 5 support requests per 1,000 mobile transactions. The average wait time is under 1 minute on the support line and most calls are resolved in under 6 minutes.

“I love the new revised app. It is user-friendly, efficient, and we are able to extend parking when needed. Great convenience!” – ParkNYC App iOS reviewer.

Flowbird partnered with NYCDOT to design a brand new end-user portal for ParkNYC and to ensure a successful transition to the new app..

We are delighted to have improved the end users’ convenience and to see such a quick increase in the adoption rate,” said Benoit Reliquet, President, Flowbird America, “This success is the result of very dedicated collaboration between NYCDOT and our teams.

New York City joins the thousands of other towns and cities across the United States, and globally, using the Flowbird app. Flowbird’s continued growth reflects its success in providing simple and convenient solutions for parking and mobility. For more information, please visit www.ParkNYC.org.

www.flowbird.group

Flowbird Group and NYCDOT Launch New and Improved ParkNYC Mobile Parking App

October 19, 2022

 

 

Flowbird Group and NYCDOT Launch New and Improved ParkNYC Mobile Parking App

 

 

New App to Service Nearly 2 Million NYC Users

 

Moorestown, New Jersey – Flowbird Group, the leader in curbside management and urban mobility solutions, launched the ParkNYC app in New York City on October 17th, 2022. The release of the mobile parking app allows motorists to conveniently pay for on-street parking and municipal parking lots using a mobile device. The ParkNYC app positions Flowbird at the heart of the country’s most competitive parking markets.

“NYCDOT is proud to bring an improved parking experience to New York City motorists.  Many busy New Yorkers rely on parking across the city, and the new app makes the payment process more convenient and less time consuming,” said Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

The new ParkNYC app, implemented by New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and operated by Flowbird, extends service to the tens of thousands of parking locations across the five boroughs. Established ParkNYC users’ wallet credits will carry over to the new Flowbird app, providing a seamless transition to the new and improved application. Setting up a new account is quick and simple after the app is downloaded to a mobile device from the App Store or Google Play Store. Accounts can be set up for individual motorists or for businesses to manage their fleets.

 

 

The new ParkNYC app in New York City includes a modern and user-friendly interface, featuring the ability to pay as you go for a parking session and the continued ability to pre-load a ParkNYC wallet. Users can check how much time is remaining, choose to receive push notifications when time is about to expire, and extend their time to the maximum limit without returning to their vehicle. All transactions and receipts are saved in the user’s account on the app to be viewed later, if needed.

Flowbird partnered with NYCDOT to design a brand new end-user portal for ParkNYC and to ensure a successful transition to the new app. Flowbird’s elite back-office management suite provides immediate in-depth reporting of all meter and mobile transactions, making it easier than ever to manage the parking system in real time, while making data-driven decisions for the future.

“We are thrilled to expand our long term partnership with NYCDOT and be part of such a world class operation to provide better parking solutions for its residents, visitors, and professionals, focusing on user experience and leveraging our global expertise in mobile technology.” said Benoit Reliquet, President, Flowbird America, “After Paris, Stockholm and Hong Kong, we are delighted to contribute to one of the world’s largest and most vibrant urban tech ecosystems in the City that never sleeps. A special thanks go out to all teams involved.”

Flowbird has been a longstanding partner with NYCDOT since 1993 when the City was one of the first in the United States to implement on-street multi-space parking pay stations. Since then, the City has expanded their contract with Flowbird to include nearly 14,000 solar-powered pay stations managing 80,000 on-street parking spaces.

New York City joins the thousands of other towns and cities across the United States, and globally, using the Flowbird app. Flowbird’s continued growth reflects the success in providing simple and convenient solutions for parking and mobility. For more information, please visit www.ParkNYC.org.

Flowbird announce their new CEO, who will Lead the Next Growth Phase

October 18, 2022

 

 

Flowbird announce their new CEO, who will Lead the Next Growth Phase

 

After 12 years as CEO, Bertrand Barthelemy has stated his decision to step back from his operational role and to focus on his position as a board member of Flowbird.
Frédéric Beylier is Flowbird Group’s new CEO.

 

 

 

Paris, October 2022: Flowbird, the leader in supplying equipment, parking management software and transport ticketing solutions, as well as in mobility payment services, announced today Bertrand Barthelemy’s decision to focus on his role as a Flowbird board member.

Frédéric Beylier is replacing him as CEO.

‘I am proud of all that has been accomplished while I have been leading Flowbird. By listening to our clients and leaning on innovative technologies and our sector expertise (Smart Parking, Smart Transport, Smart Payment), we have evolved our equipment, bringing value to cities thanks to software offers and payment services. During these past 12 years, the company has become the undisputed world leader on the market – the preferred partner of over 4,350 cities –, the only company with such a wide range of products and services that help cities orchestrate mobility on their territory. I am grateful for everyone’s efforts, for each team member who contributed to this first major step in our transformation – a transformation that has made us a player in mobility payment.

‘Over the next decade, the new user services that we’re experimenting with our partner clients will take hold in all cities: making journeys simple for users through mobile and contactless payment, encouraging multimodal transfers with MaaS applications, facilitating access in the public domain to electric vehicle charging, embedding mobility services in connected vehicles, and dynamically adapting infrastructure to different uses to reduce congestion and control urban logistics. All these services will become standard.

‘Creating a managerial team that looks ahead to a ten-year horizon was important for me. I have every confidence in Frédéric to lead it, and I wish him every success,’ stated Bertrand Barthelemy, a Flowbird board member.

‘I am thrilled to join Flowbird at this crucial moment in their development. Flowbird are the world leader in their industry, a partner of cities and Mobility Organisational Authorities, simplifying their lives and those of their citizens for urban mobility and digital payments. We will rely on the company’s foundations to develop new technologies and services that benefit our clients, in a world where environmental and digital transitions are at the heart of everything we do. This project carries real meaning and ambition, and I am impatient to start collaborating with our teams, recognised around the world for their expertise,’ declared Frédéric Beylier, CEO.

 

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Mr. Beylier was a recent advisor to executive management at companies dealing with accelerating growth and transformation. He has collaborated in particular with April and Aresia Groups, among others.

Previously, he was Deputy Managing Director and a board member for six years at Oberthur Technologies, now Idemia, a world leader in payment, telecommunications, transport, identity and security solutions in the public sector. He notably led and supervised the fusion of Oberthur Technologies with Morpho, and the subsequent creation of Idemia.

He also spent five years at France Champignon, the European leader in mushroom production and sales, where he held the role of Deputy Managing Director, and which he helped to transform and integrate into the Bonduelle Group. Mr. Beylier started his career as a consultant at EY and AlixPartners.

‘Flowbird have developed with success to become the world leader in urban mobility. This journey would not have been possible without Bertrand’s collaboration, which has been decisive. We are extremely grateful for everything that he has achieved, and we know that he will continue to bring value in his role as one of our board members. As we turn to face the future, we are delighted to welcome Frédéric into our leadership team, to start a new chapter for the company,’ concluded Stuart C. Harvey Jr, President of Flowbird’s Board of Directors.

About Flowbird

Flowbird are present in over 4,350 cities in 80 countries. The company constantly innovates to provide new mobility solutions. Its mission is to facilitate people’s journeys and optimise the potential of a city’s mobility by taking into account all city stakeholders and the final user experience. Thanks to their expertise, equipment, exceptional service platform and the quality of their teams, Flowbird is opening a new era where urban harmony and value are at the heart of each city.

Press contacts David Chauvin

david.chauvin@flowbird.group

Publicis LMA
Isabelle Carassic

isabelle.carassic@publicis.com

Tél. + 33 (0)6 03 89 61 20

Flowbird announce their new CEO, who will Lead the Next Growth Phase

Flowbird’s Julianne Wilhelm Starts Position as Vice President of Marketing for the US Market

September 15, 2022

 

 

 

Flowbird’s Julianne Wilhelm Starts Position as Vice President of Marketing

for the US Market

 

 

Clearwater, FL —  Flowbird Group, a global leader in curbside management and urban mobility solutions, announced the promotion of Julianne Wilhelm to Vice President of Marketing for the U.S. market. In her new role, Julianne will lead the marketing strategy and enhance communication initiatives for the Flowbird America brand.

Julianne joined Flowbird in 2017 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of South Florida. With 11 years of experience in marketing, she has aided in managing the corporate branding for the company’s North America operations, along with supporting strategic branding of the company’s parking, mobility and transit systems.

 

Among her list of accomplishments, Julianne spearheaded the U.S. positioning for the Parkeon/Cale America Merger in 2018 when the two companies joined together to become Flowbird. The new brand has since become a well-known name in the industry among parking, transport, and mobility partners alike. She has also worked with international colleagues around the world to develop exciting product launches such as Flowbird Go, the Flowbird Mobile App, Pay-by-Text, ePermitting and more. Julianne has had several of her literary works published in industry magazines, including case studies featuring Detroit, Michigan; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Key West, Florida.

“We are delighted about the leadership role Julianne has accepted as Vice President of Marketing for the U.S.,” said Benoit Reliquet, President, Flowbird America, “Her contributions have been invaluable to growing the Flowbird brand and we are eager to work together to create new solutions and opportunities for our customers and partners. Furthermore, as the first female to take this position, we are thrilled to have Julianne in a role that continues to demonstrate Flowbird’s commitment to a culture of growth and diversity.”

Julianne can be seen at several industry conferences and events representing the Flowbird name. She currently sits on the board for the Florida Parking & Transit Association and is active in numerous other industry associations such as Women in Parking and SWPTA.

www.flowbird.group/smartcity/us/

Flowbird Proudly Announces Promotion of Natalie Snow and Ed Kinkade for the U.S.

August 26, 2022

 

 

 

Flowbird Proudly Announces Promotion of Natalie Snow and Ed Kinkade

for the U.S.

 

 

 

 

Moorestown, NJ —  Flowbird Group, a global leader in curbside management and urban mobility solutions, proudly announced the promotion of two Business Development Managers, Natalie Snow and Ed Kinkade to Regional Vice President of Sales.

Natalie, appointed to Vice President of Sales for the Southeast U.S., has worked in the parking industry for 17 years fulfilling customer facing roles in account management, implementation consulting, and new business development. She joined Flowbird in January 2016 after working for a leading citation management supplier for 11 years. Natalie was recognized by the National Parking Association in 2017, who named her among the ‘Top 40 Under 40,’ highlighting her stature among the industry’s best young parking professionals.

In her new role, Natalie will continue to work directly with major Flowbird clients in the Southeast, including the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, City of Detroit, City of Atlanta, Miami Parking and the Baltimore Parking Authority.

Ed, appointed to Vice President of Sales for the Northeast U.S., joined Flowbird in 2014 after making his mark in the banking and investment industry. He brings with him years of experience in industry best practices and uses those to consult with cities, universities, and other agencies. Ed is a well-known face of Flowbird, seen at numerous industry events both educating and learning more about the industry, while connecting with current and future integration partners.

In his new role, Ed will continue to work directly with key Flowbird clients such as the Boston Transportation Department, Hartford Parking Authority, Philadelphia Parking Authority, ParkIndy (Indianapolis), and Flowbird’s New Jersey based accounts such as Montclair, Newark, and Trenton.

“Natalie and Ed are an integral part of the Flowbird team here in the U.S. and we are thrilled about their continued growth within the company,” said Andreas Jansson, Senior VP of U.S. Sales, “Their contributions have been invaluable to not only growing the business, but also creating lasting relationships with our customers and partners. Both promotions reflect the continued growth of Flowbird’s customer base and internal leadership.”

www.flowbird.group

Flowbird Unveils Highly Anticipated Off-Street Parking Solution at the 2022 IPMI Conference

August 04, 2022

 

 

Flowbird Unveils Highly Anticipated Off-Street Parking Solution at the 2022 IPMI Conference

 

Company presents FlowbirdGO, a cloud-based off-street solution for gated and gateless facilities

 

Moorestown, New Jersey – Flowbird North America, a leader in cloud-based mobility solutions, announced the release of its latest advancement in parking technology at the 2022 International Parking and Mobility Institute Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. FlowbirdGO is a dynamic off-street system giving operators the flexibility to manage parking in gated and ungated garages and lots. Visitors to Flowbird’s IPMI booth got a first-look at the system’s cloud-based functionality, easy to use hardware, and frictionless entry in action.

In gated parking scenarios, the FlowbirdGO system begins with a fully configurable touch-screen entry kiosk. As the driver approaches the parking facility, the gate arm is down and the entry terminal illuminates. The driver prints their QR code entry ticket and the gate arm opens for access to the facility. Alternatively, the FlowbirdGO system can be customized to accept phone numbers, credit cards, and permit access as an entry token.

 

Payment for parking stays can be made at Flowbird’s Pay-On-Foot machines or at an in-lane Flowbird exit kiosk. The QR code from the initial entry ticket is scanned and Flowbird’s cloud-based system calculates the amount owed. The Pay-On-Foot machine can be configured to accept various forms of payment including magstripe, chip, NFC, coins, and bills. In-lane payments can be made by card or NFC payment. The Flowbird mobile parking app is also a key payment method in the FlowbirdGO eco-system.

Once payment is confirmed by the Pay-On-Foot machine, a QR code receipt is printed and scanned at exit to raise the gate. If payment is done in-lane, the gate will raise automatically following the successful transaction.

FlowbirdGO can also be configured for gateless parking facilities, allowing for frictionless entry and exit. Seamlessly integrating with 3rd party LPR cameras, drivers can freely enter and exit the facility while their license plate number is recorded by the FlowbirdGO system. The solution can accommodate pre-payment or post payment, prior to leaving the facility, as well as mailed invoices if the user does not pay on-site.

The system’s open technology platform allows for an array of possibilities that are customized to individual parking facilities. FlowbirdGO offers real-time digital parking validation solutions to keep customers coming back to the local business community. For frequent visitors, the system offers a complete permitting solution that can include proximity cards or an RFID system to help manage monthly parkers. Intercom systems are available around-the-clock to quickly service customers while in-lane.

Built with advanced technology integrations, the FlowbirdGO system offers unique insights into clients’ parking facilities, delivering a simple yet dynamic solution with enhanced results. FlowbirdGO is a fully cloud-based solution, meaning there is no need for an on-site server, saving both time and unnecessary costs. All payment transactions are stored in a secure, PCI compliant location.

The power behind FlowbirdGO is in its advanced, yet intuitive, management system, offering real-time equipment health reporting, advanced analytics, third-party integration, and remote rate and message changes. The Business-Intelligence (BI) system generates reports with precision, providing detailed summaries of facility activity, financial information, statistical reports linked to operational performance, occupancy levels, distribution of payment methods, and more.

For clients utilizing Flowbird’s on-street parking solutions, adding the FlowbirdGO system will greatly enhance operational efficiency by bringing together all on and off-street data into one powerful system.

“We have built the FlowbirdGO system from the ground up to meet the needs of today’s off-street parking operations,” said Benoit Reliquet, President of Flowbird North America.  “The key aspects for us were to make the system flexible and cost effective to give cities, universities and parking operators a solution that can be customized, integrate with 3rd party systems, and meet their day to day operational needs.”

To request more information about the FlowbirdGO system, contact Flowbird at us-info@flowbird.group.

www.flowbird.group

 

 

 

Text Box: About Flowbird FLOWBIRD operates in over 5,000 towns and cities in 70 countries. The company is constantly innovating and breaking new ground to help provide solutions. Its mission is to facilitate the individual journey and maximize a city’s unique mobility potential, while considering all city stakeholders and end-user experiences. Through its devices, elite service platform and teams, Flowbird enables a new era for maximizing urban harmony and value throughout the city’s core.

Flowbird Implements Automated Parking System To Palisades Interstate Parks in Partnership With Devo & Associates

June 21, 2022

 

 

Flowbird Implements Automated Parking System To Palisades Interstate Parks

in Partnership With Devo & Associates

 

 

New Pay Stations and Mobile App Offer Modernized Fee Collection System for Parks

Moorestown, NJ —  Flowbird Group, a global leader in unattended payment technology and mobile payment applications, has announced the deployment of an integrated fee collection system for Palisades Interstate Park Commission, in partnership with local distributor, Devo & Associates. The solution expands on the success of the Flowbird system deployed in 2015 at the Commission’s popular Fort Lee Historic Park.

The Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey covers 2,500 acres of wild Hudson River shorefront, uplands, and cliffs, and is just minutes from midtown Manhattan. Visitors enjoy many outdoor activities at the various park locations including hiking, biking, boating, and picnicking, while taking in breathtaking riverfront views.

For decades, the Commission has collected parking fees at the busiest park areas to generate revenue to help maintain the park and to help manage the number of cars. Park employees stationed at the entrance to each lot collected these fees from drivers. Rates were often increased on weekends and holidays to help regulate the limited spaces available during these times of peak park use.

The new automated and cashless parking system recently deployed by Flowbird and its local distribution partner, DEVO & Associates, will allow park employees to put their time toward providing visitor services and information, maintaining facilities, and caring for the park landscape instead of physically collecting parking fees.  The system has been live since the beginning of the Spring at Fort Lee Historic Park, Ross Dock Picnic Area, Englewood Picnic Area (south lot), Alpine Picnic Area, and Hazard’s Ramp – a boat launching ramp for registered, trailer-towed boats under 24 feet in length and jet skis.

Visitors to Palisades Interstate Park now have the option to pay for parking at any one of the new solar powered Flowbird pay stations or on the Flowbird Mobile App. The system is set-up for pay-by-plate parking where parking enforcement is managed by the visitor’s license plate number. With the Flowbird app, users can choose to receive a reminder notification when their time is about to expire and then extend their time right from their mobile device. From anywhere in the park, visitors are able to extend their parking session, allowing them to focus on their hike, picnic, or kayak adventure, without worrying about their parking time running out.

Flowbird has also deployed a digital permitting system for the Commission to accommodate New Jersey residents 62 years or older, as they are exempt from metered parking at the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey. The Flowbird Permit system also accommodates Boat Basin tenants who rent a slip for the season at Alpine or Englewood Boat Basin.

Transaction details and relevant permit information are shared in real time with the Commission’s license plate recognition system provided by Leonardo to ensure compliance with parking regulations.

Beyond providing a faster and more convenient way for visitors to park and get started on their recreational activities, Flowbird’s smart parking system will also provide a safer and more productive work environment for park staff. Their team has 24/7/365 access to Flowbird’s back-office system, providing real-time visibility on parking sales, with the capability to view the activity at each of the Palisades Interstate Park locations. Flowbird hosts all of the data, and provides Park staff with web-based access to run custom reports and monitor the status of each pay station.

“We are very pleased to work with both the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Devo & Associates to deploy this customer friendly solution,” said Benoit Reliquet, President of Flowbird North America.  “We see that more and more people are visiting parks across the country and our technology is a natural fit to provide park goers with a great experience while reducing the amount of time agency staff need to spend collecting parking and boat launch fees.”

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission joins several other park & recreation agencies that have deployed Flowbird solutions including Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Delaware State Parks, New Hampshire State Parks, South Dakota Parks, and Washington State Parks.

 

 

Flowbird US Media Contact

Sean Renn – Vice President of Marketing & Communications

856-220-1577

sean.renn@flowbird.group

www.flowbird.group

About Flowbird

FLOWBIRD operates in over 5,000 towns and cities in 70 countries. The company is constantly innovating and breaking new ground to help provide solutions. Its mission is to facilitate the individual journey and maximize a city’s unique mobility potential, while considering all city stakeholders and end-user experiences. Through its devices, elite service platform and teams, Flowbird enables a new era for maximizing urban harmony and value throughout the city’s core.

 

 

 

Flowbird’s Julianne Wilhelm Elected to Florida Parking and Transit Association Board (FPTA)

June 14, 2022

 

 

Flowbird’s Julianne Wilhelm Elected to Florida Parking and Transit Association Board (FPTA)

Clearwater, FL —  Flowbird’s Marketing Manager, Julianne Wilhelm, has been elected onto the Board of Directors for the Florida Parking and Transit Association (FPTA). Julianne will serve for a two year term where she will join 11 other Board Directors, including the President and Past President.

Julianne, a Florida native, joined Flowbird as Marketing Manager in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of South Florida. With 11 years of experience in Marketing and Public Relations, she manages corporate branding for the company’s North American operations, along with supporting strategic branding of the company’s parking, mobility and transit systems. Julianne enjoys assisting cities and universities implement public awareness campaigns and building long-lasting relationships along the way.

The mission of the Florida Parking and Transportation Association is to promote and represent the parking and transportation industry in the State of Florida. The organization is committed to enhancing the professional image of parking and transportation, and also serves as a unifying force in promoting state and local legislation.

“We are proud to have a member of our team be a part of such an elite association as FPTA,” says Andreas Jansson, VP of Sales, Flowbird, “This further demonstrates the quality and commitment of our leaders to the industry.”

www.flowbird.group

City of Columbus Announces a New Way to Pay for Parking

May 02, 2022

City of Columbus Announces a New Way to Pay for Parking

Implementation of kiosks begins in early May

 

 

Starting in May, the City of Columbus will begin replacing parking meters with new pay-by-plate kiosks to modernize and streamline the payment process for customers. Mobile payment using the ParkColumbus app will continue to be a convenient option.

The Division of Parking Services will begin meter removal on May 3 in the Brewery District, then move north through downtown Columbus, the Short North Arts District and the University District as kiosks are installed. By the end of May, mobile payment and the new pay-by-plate kiosks will completely replace meter payment, except for a limited number of handicapped-accessible meters and 30-minute meters to support brief parking for use such as pickup and drop-off.

“The City of Columbus continues to enhance the customer experience for on-street parking by adding greater convenience with better technology tools,” said Jennifer L. Gallagher, Director of the Department of Public Service. “A modernized system supports equitable access and turnover as our city—and curb lane demand—keep growing.”

ParkColumbus will provide functionality updates to the app for smartphone users as well as additional mobile payment methods for those without a smartphone, including scan-to-pay, text-to-pay and call-to-pay options.

When customers don’t have a phone handy, the new kiosks from Flowbird Urban Intelligence offer a simpler way to pay than meters. After parking, customers can identify their mobile pay zone using street signs where they parked, walk to the nearest kiosk, enter their license plate number and pay using a credit or debit card or coins. They may even add time to their parking spot when using the new kiosks in the Downtown, Brewery, Short North and University Districts.

The new parking system makes customers’ lives easier by opening up more parking spaces and simplifying parking zone numbers. Existing zones will be consolidated into fewer larger parking zones, making it easier to identify zone numbers.

“For the City of Columbus, streamlining parking payment will require less maintenance, greater efficiency, and enable quick and accurate license plate recognition (LRP) enforcement to encourage access and turnover,” said Robert Ferrin, Assistant Director of Parking Services.

“Flowbird is proud to have been selected to launch our smart parking system in a city that truly embraces smart technology,” said Sean Renn, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Flowbird. “We look forward to a long partnership that benefits everyone who lives, works and visits the City of Columbus.”

For the 30-minute meters remaining in the city’s parking districts, the Short North rate will change to $1.50 per hour (75 cents for 30 minutes), to align with all other districts’ 30-minute rate. With the kiosks, no changes are occurring in parking rates, time limits or hours of enforcement.

To help transition to the new parking system, Parking Services will deploy street teams at events like the Pearl Market downtown, the Short North Gallery Hop and more to assist with parking and guiding customers through the new payment process. Residents are also encouraged to follow the Department of Public Service on social media for updates on what’s happening in their district and for relevant parking tips.

View a video here for a demonstration on how to use the new kiosks.

For those who have not yet downloaded the ParkColumbus app, there has never been a better time to go mobile. To learn how to use the app, click here.

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