By Bill Parry
Motorists in Queens can use their cell phones to pay parking meters remotely now that the city’s Department of Transportation activated its ParkNYC mobile payment system that was already available in the other boroughs. An online system links registered license plate numbers to NYPD traffic enforcement agents’ handheld devices that confirm payment.
“In last year’s State of the City, we promised pay-by-cell at every metered parking space in New York City and we have delivered,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “We know that especially here in Queens, parking can be a challenge, but ParkNYC now makes it a bit easier — with no paper receipt and the ability to quickly get on your way. Now that mobile payment is live everywhere, I encourage drivers to give it a try by downloading the easy-to-use app onto their phones.”
DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg used a smartphone to demonstrate ParkNYC at a metered spot along 108th Street in Forest Hills Tuesday as the system went online in Queens. It is now available at all 85,000 metered parking spots in the five boroughs.
“Now, drivers no longer have to scramble for change, and they don’t even have to walk to a Muni-meter to get a receipt that could blow away from their dashboard. With no added fees, mobile alerts that let you know when time is running out on your spot and the ability to extend a parking session without returning to the car, ParkNYC offers a great convenience to New York drivers.”
The ParkNYC mobile app is available for download at no cost for iPhones in the App Store and for Android at Google play. The website www.parkn
“So many Queens residents rely on a car — especially those without easy access to transit — to get around our borough, and parking is always a challenge,” Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said. “ParkNYC’s mobile payment system is a useful tool to help make that day-to-day struggle a little bit simpler. Now with the expansion of ParkNYC to Queens, it’s easier to shop and dine at Queens’ shops and restaurants just a little bit longer and enjoy the World’s Borough even more.”
Once the app is downloaded, users can enter personal information, provide the license plate number and load the ParkNYC wallet, which works like an EZPass, loading increments as low as $25. After parking, he or she enters the six-digit unique zone number for block and length of time. After confirmation, the driver is set.
Motorists can extend their time if it is running out and maximum time has not already been reached, while parking time can be extended without returning to the car.
“Even though I do not drive a car, the convenience being afforded by this new technology is self-evident,” City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) said.
Muni-meters will continue to accept coins and credit or debit cards for drivers who don’t want to use ParkNYC.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
