Why is the City of Paterson replacing the meters in Downtown area?
The current single-space meters are reaching their end of their useful life. The new smart single-space meters will not only be more reliable than the old meters, but if and when there are maintenance issues, the new smart meters will wirelessly alert the Paterson Parking Authority's staff to address the problem quickly.
The second reason is to improve customer service. The current meters only accept coins, whereas the new smart meters will accept multiple forms of payment. We know that maintaining a supply of quarters and other change is inconvenient, so while the new meters will continue to accept coins, they will also accept credit cards, debit cards. You will also be able to pay for parking at the new meters through our own free mobile app, using credit, debit, or smart card, or through your own prepaid “wallet”. When you use the pay-by-cell option, the new mobile application will text you an alert in advance of your meter expiring, giving you a chance to extend your time or return before the meter expires.
The Paterson Parking Authority is installing parking meters to provide the best paid parking experience possible. With state-of-the-art meters the time is right to replace the old meters, so we may continue to provide a State of the Art parking experience in all of the business districts. districts.
Why do we call the meters “smart”?
The new IPS Model M5 meters are smart for various reasons. They are smart because of the many options for convenient payment they offer. They are smart because they communicate wirelessly to The Paterson Parking Authority with operational alerts and financial and occupancy data, and to customers via smart-phone application. The M5’s are smart also because they are powered by the sun. A solar panel on each meter powers its rechargeable battery.
Are the hours during which I have to pay for metered parking changing?
The days and hours when you have to pay at the meters is staying the same: Monday through Saturday, 8am to 6pm, holidays excluded.
Will the metered parking cost the same as it does now?
During the trial period, the parking rates will remain the same $1.00 per hour.
Which credit cards are accepted at the smart meters?
The meters will accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Is there a fee for using a credit card with the smart meters?
During the trial period there is no fee to use a credit or debit card with the smart meters.