There’s an app for that: Evanston pilots paying for parking through mobile devices

The City of Evanston is proud to announce a new mobile payment parking option that will allow drivers in Evanston to skip the trip to the meter and pay for parking directly from their mobile phone.

The new PassportParking mobile application is already available for use on the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Sherman Ave., as a part of the City’s pilot program. This first batch of pay-by-phone parking spaces allow drivers to try the convenient alternative in preparation for the city-wide launch scheduled for this summer.

“Paying by mobile phone provides our residents and visitors with a whole new level of convenience and flexibility when it comes to paying for parking,” said Evanston Parking and Revenue Division Manager Rickey Voss. “With PassportParking alerts, people parking in Evanston no longer need to worry about how much time they have left or running back to the meter to add more time. Now they can focus on all the great things Evanston has to offer.”

To utilize the new service, smart phone customers must first download and register the PassportParking app from the Apple Store for iPhones or Google Play for Android users. One can also register for the service online at passportparking.com/park, using Facebook, or by calling the local number listed on the meter.

Once registered for the service, drivers will have many options to pay for parking, including the PassportParking app and mobile website for smart phone users. Customers with basic cell phone capabilities will be able to use Pay-by-Text and Pay-by-Voice options.

To complete the payment process through the app, drivers will have to input the zone and space number listed on the meter followed by the amount of time needed. The mobile app allows drivers to extend their parking session to the maximum time allowed, add or update payment card details, as well as manage notification and receipt options. The same functions are also available on the mobile website, m.ppprk.com. Additionally, the mobile application and website allows users to select from multiple language options for non-English speakers.

For users without smart phones, customers are invited to Pay-by-Voice by calling the toll-free number listed on the meter, providing the zone and space number and payment information. Additionally, customers can utilize the Pay-by-Text option that allows drivers to text their zone number, space or license plate number and the amount of time they wish to stay, to the phone number listed on the meters.

A $.35 service fee will be charged for the initial transaction for the parking space. However, there will be no service fee for extending parking to the maximum time allowed for that space. Once the maximum time has been reached, customers must leave their parking spot or they are subject to being ticketed. All payment options allow users to extend their parking time.

Although meters will not show any added time remaining, customers will not have to display any proof of payment. City parking enforcement workers will have the ability to view payments for each space through a wireless handheld device.

PassportParking operates in Chicago and in more than 15 neighboring Chicagoland suburbs, including Glenview, Des Plaines, Highwood, and Oak Park, making it easy for customers to pay for parking across city lines with one mobile app.

“It’s very nostalgic to be partnering with the City of Evanston to continue to improve the community’s parking experience,” said Co-Founder and Northwestern University alumnus Bob Youakim. “Evanston has always been a progressive city, and Passport’s mobile payment system fits right in line.”

To learn more, please visit http://www.cityofevanston.org/mobileparking.

About PassportParking

PassportParking, Inc. (Passport) – headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina – is the industry’s leading provider of integrated cloud-based parking solutions. The company provides the most advanced technology and equipment in an enterprise suite that allows parking providers and owners to manage parking and enforcement operations more effectively and efficiently. Passport is backed by a highly respected group of investors, including Grotech Ventures and Relevance Capital. For more information, please visit www.passportparking.com.