RTA activates SMS parking payment service

The step is part of RTA's strategy to develop integrated solutions of road systems in keeping with the sweeping development plans of the emirate of Dubai with the highest global standards.

Maitha Bin Adai, Chief Executive Officer of Traffic and Roads Agency of RTA, said: "Offering payment of parking fees through du reflects RTA's efforts to broaden the scope of its service to cover all community segments. Subscribers of mobile phone services from both du and etisalat will now find it easy to benefit from the mParking service by paying the fees using their mobile phones.

"The service will facilitate the use of public parking for residents and visitors to the emirate, save time and effort, and avoid the inconvenience of searching for coins or following up the renewal of parking ticket."

The service is simple and easy to access, with no difference at all in the procedure of use between the two telecommunication operators. Vehicles registered in Dubai do not need prior registration to the service and customers can avail the new service instantly through paying the parking fees by means of SMS.

The customer has to send a text message containing the number of the plate, followed by a space, the code of the parking zone (shown in signage at the parking zone), a space, and the period of using the parking.

The message is to be sent to 7275 (PARK) which is approved by the RTA for all telecommunication service providers in the UAE.

Several directional signs are in place to help customers know the areas in which mParking service is available, along with the zone code so that they can finalise payment easily.

The mParking service is the first of its kind in the region and Phase I and Phase II of the service have been completed covering Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and all controlled parking zones in Bur Dubai.

Work is up and running to complete Phase III of the project to extend the coverage to include the controlled parking zones in Deira, so that the service will cover all parts of Dubai.

For his part, Farid Faraidooni, Executive Vice-President for Corporate Affairs at du, said: "The du agreement with RTA focuses on our commitment to deliver innovative solutions for the safety and comfort of our customers in the UAE. mParking service is a new addition to the package of services we offer to upgrade the telecommunication services sector and meet customer needs.

"Our subscribers can now easily use the public parking mobile phone service, and extend the parking use periods from their offices or homes simply through an SMS."

How the mParking service for Non-Registered Users works

STEP1
Send a SMS message in the following format:
to the number 7275 (PARK)

Example:
A00000 123A 2 (for 2 hours)
or A00000 123A (for 1 hour)

Note: Zone No. will be on parking signage.

STEP2
You will receive a confirmation message which includes your virtual ticket details.

Note: Please do NOT delete this message.

STEP3
You will receive a reminder message 10 minutes before the ticket expires.

STEP4
If you wish to extend for another hour, simply send a SMS "Y" to 7275 (PARK).

Example: Y and send to the number 7275 (PARK)

About "du"

Over the last two years, du has established itself as the new telecommunications company of the UAE. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people had chosen to adopt our services and become our customers.

We offer fixed and mobile telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to individuals, homes and businesses, and carrier services for businesses. Above all, we offer value, while we continue to deploy state-of-the art technology to keep enhancing the service experienced by our customers.