City unveils new parking technology
The City of Ottawa today unveiled the first of more than 600 new Pay and Display machines that will replace parking meters across the city.
On average, each of the modern pay stations takes the place of eight parking meters. Over the summer, the City will replace 4,000 parking meters with this new parking technology.
These machines will be easier for our residents to use, Mayor Larry OBrien said at the launch event on a revitalized Preston Street, noting that the pay and display units will accept coins and credit cards, and issue receipts. The new Pay and Display technology is far more environmentally sustainable by using solar power and eliminating the need for underground cables or regularly replacing and disposing of corrosive batteries. Drivers simply park, pay and display, he added.
While the technology is changing, existing rates and parking restrictions will not change. With the new pay and display machines, time is transferable from one Pay and Display on-street area to another, since you buy time, not a parking space.
There are several advantages to the technology, said Councillor Maria McRae, chair of the citys Transportation Committee. These new machines will vastly improve the parking experience and streetscapes for our residents and visitors to our Nations Capital. On-street parking capacity will increase when painted parking spaces are removed and street clutter will be reduced.
In the future, the units will accept new parking smart cards and eventually the ability to pay by mobile device will be added to further improve convenience.
The Citys parking technology is changing for the better, said John Manconi, General Manager of Public Works at the City of Ottawa. The goal is to provide affordable, accessible and convenient public parking.
Street ambassadors will be on hand at each location for a period of time over the summer to provide assistance to first-time users. They will be able to answer any questions about the program and will be easy to spot in their bright green t-shirts.
These machines will be easier for our residents to use, Mayor Larry OBrien said at the launch event on a revitalized Preston Street, noting that the pay and display units will accept coins and credit cards, and issue receipts. The new Pay and Display technology is far more environmentally sustainable by using solar power and eliminating the need for underground cables or regularly replacing and disposing of corrosive batteries. Drivers simply park, pay and display, he added.
While the technology is changing, existing rates and parking restrictions will not change. With the new pay and display machines, time is transferable from one Pay and Display on-street area to another, since you buy time, not a parking space.
There are several advantages to the technology, said Councillor Maria McRae, chair of the citys Transportation Committee. These new machines will vastly improve the parking experience and streetscapes for our residents and visitors to our Nations Capital. On-street parking capacity will increase when painted parking spaces are removed and street clutter will be reduced.
In the future, the units will accept new parking smart cards and eventually the ability to pay by mobile device will be added to further improve convenience.
The Citys parking technology is changing for the better, said John Manconi, General Manager of Public Works at the City of Ottawa. The goal is to provide affordable, accessible and convenient public parking.
Street ambassadors will be on hand at each location for a period of time over the summer to provide assistance to first-time users. They will be able to answer any questions about the program and will be easy to spot in their bright green t-shirts.
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