Beginning Oct. 3, smart cards to use at township parking meters will become available for purchase, according to a township press release. Cards will cost $5, and money can be added to them as needed up to $100. Meters will also refund unused time back onto the cards.

The parking meters1,600 of them throughout the townshipwere replaced at the beginning of 2011 as part of the 2011-2016 Capital Improvement Plan. The new meters, currently coin-operated only, also include a 10-minute free time button.

The township chose the new meters based on the cost of replacement and maintenance and improvements over the old meters, including methods of payment and the potential for future upgrades to meters.

The cards can be purchased at the townships parking services department office in the public safety building at 71 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore starting on Oct. 3. Call 610-645-6230 for more information.