No change for parking? Try plastic

SEATTLE—Mayor Greg Nickels has announced a solution for drivers who are fed up with scouring their cars and pockets to find change to feed parking meters. Beginning next year, new parking meter technology that accepts credit cards and debit cards, in addition to coins, will be available to Seattle residents.

More than 1600 parking pay stations, as the new technology is called, are slated for installation throughout Seattle over the next three years.

“In this tight economy, we need to find creative ways to help businesses,” Nickels said. “By making it easier for customers to park, we are making city businesses more accessible and more convenient."

During the first year of the rollout, the city will target the highest use areas in downtown, including the retail and financial districts and the waterfront. Additionally, the Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, Pike-Pine and First Hill neighborhoods are slated for 2004 installations. Two areas where no meters currently exist, Chandler's Cove and Ballard Locks, will also receive the new technology to complement area investments.

On average, one pay station is expected to replace 6 to 7 meters.

Other cities have experienced huge success with the pay station technology because of increased convenience for users. More than 40 percent of payment transactions in Portland are made with credit cards, debit cards or smart cards, and that number is increasing. Portland also found that pay stations increased parking turnover and opened up sidewalk area for use by pedestrians, restaurants and retail outlets.

Additionally, Portland reduced their jammed meters and "out of service" times, while improving payment compliance.

The new pay stations will replace old meters that were installed as long as 17 years ago. The oldest meters need frequent maintenance, parts are no longer available and they cannot be upgraded to accept new payment options.

The Seattle Department of Transportation is currently reviewing proposals from prospective vendors, and expects to announce the apparent successful bidder in late October. Six vendors from across the country and Canada came to Seattle to display their technology. Participation was voluntary.

Office of the Mayor release, September 24

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