West Palm Beach parking gets a high-tech upgrade

How would you like to pay for your parking spot without having to stand out in the Florida heat or the Florida rain?

How easy would it be to simply pull out your smart phone, and with a new app be able to pay for parking?

What if you’re inside and need to add more time to the meter? Simply use the app and add your time without having to walk back to your car!

The City of West Palm Beach is now the first and only city in the Palm Beaches or the Treasure Coast to offer the new Parkmobile payment service, which allows drivers to pay for parking using their iphone, Android, Windows 7 or Blackberry phone.

To use the new Parkmobile system, customers register for free at http://www.parkmobile.com. Once registered, they can use a mobile app, the internet, or call toll free, 1-877-727- 5714 to pay for parking. After setting up the account, customers can immediately start using the system with their registered mobile phone. They can also select the option to receive text message alerts and reminders.

Once you have registered with the system, parking takes only seconds. All that is needed is your phone, the app, and the zone number on the meter. THAT’S IT!

“We’re always trying to come up with new ideas to make it easier for our customers,” said Chris Zachritz, Parking Administrator with the City of West Palm Beach. “We were one of the first to provide a toll-free number to call to pay for parking. Now we’re among the first to make it even easier by offering an app for your phone.”

As part of the new program, the City is also creating a battalion of “App Parking Ambassadors” who will patrol the streets looking to help anyone with questions about the new services. Each “App Parking Ambassador” will be wearing an easy-to-spot green shirt and will be ready to assist.

The meters throughout the City will have new stickers that explain how to use the new services, as well as provide a QR code for quick access to the website and app download.

Drivers who do not have a smart phone can always call the phone number on the meter and pay for parking over the phone. Of course, they also have the option of using coins as well.