Mayor Malik D. Evans announced today the launch of an improved method for motorists to make payments at City parking meters and select pay stations using their mobile devices. The new Flowbird pay-by-app and pay-by-text feature provides users with a simple and convenient way to pay for on-street parking from their vehicles.
The user-friendly technology allows motorists to set customizable notifications to receive warnings when their meter time is expiring and to extend parking times easily.
“We continue to modernize our metered parking technologies, and this new app brings us further into the digital age,” said Mayor Evans. “This is just the latest improvement our parking team has made to increase flexibility and convenience for those who work, play, and visit our city.”
The pay stations and parking meters will display a blue decal with information on how to pay by app or text.
To use the pay-by-app feature, users can download the Flowbird App from the Apple Store or Google Play or visit www.flowbirdapp.com. Once signed up and logged in, users enter their vehicle license plate number, length of stay, and encrypted payment information. There is a $0.35 processing fee.
To use the pay-by-text feature, users send a text to the number displayed on the pay station or parking meter at their location. They will receive a text reply directing them to a secure link where they can enter their vehicle license plate number, length of stay, and encrypted payment information. There is also a $0.35 processing fee.
“There are several benefits to this feature,” said Sarah Nowack, the City’s Parking Director. “If someone is conducting business at City Hall or the County Office building or is downtown for a festival or event, they can move their vehicle to a different valid parking location and keep using the same paid time until their original meter session runs out.”
Drivers can still pay for parking using credit cards or coins at pay stations and parking meters.
Users paying by mobile device will not have to display an electronic pay station receipt on their vehicle’s dashboard. Parking enforcement will scan the vehicle’s registration to ensure compliance.
