The city of Columbus is ripping out nearly all its parking meters and replacing them with kiosks where drivers can type in their license plate number and pay by coin, credit card or phone.
Parkers also can pay via the ParkColumbus mobile app, and the kiosk vendor plans to institute ways to pay by text or other means. An update to the app will simplify use by creating fewer numbered parking zones that cover larger areas.
The changeover starts next week in the Brewery District, moving northward throughout May to downtown, the Short North and University District.
Flowbird, based in New Jersey outside Philadelphia, is supplying some 140 kiosks under a $1.2 million contract, the Department of Public Service told Columbus Business First. The entire project will cost about $2 million, and result in annual savings for device maintenance.
The city first piloted the technology on Nationwide Boulevard four years ago with three kiosks made by San Diego-based IPS Group Inc. Flowbird devices will replace them in the Arena District, but IPS kiosks will remain in use in East Franklinton and near Grandview Heights.
“Streamlining parking payment will require less maintenance, (increase) efficiency, and enable quick and accurate license plate recognition enforcement to encourage access and turnover,” Robert Ferrin, Columbus assistant director of parking services, said in a release.
A few meters will remain for disability accessibility and select 30-minute parking spaces such as in the Short North.
