Drivers can now use their phones to pay for parking in city-run lots and at parking meters in part of Mississauga under a pilot project that starts this week.<\/p>\n
PayByPhone, a new method that allows drivers the option of bypassing payment at the municipality\u2019s parking stations and meters, takes effect on Tuesday in Streetsville, City of Mississauga officials said in a news release.<\/p>\n
Anticipating a successful pilot, the city added it plans to subsequently \u201croll out PayByPhone to other municipal paid parking areas in Mississauga including Clarkson, Cooksville, downtown and Port Credit\u201d at some point in the near future.<\/p>\n
\u201cPayByPhone can be used through a mobile phone app, making a phone call or visiting a website,\u201d city officials said. \u201cIn addition to the existing payment options to pay at the paid parking machines using coins and credit cards, this option gives residents and visitors a more convenient way to pay for parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Headquartered in Vancouver, PayByPhone offers drivers a payment method that \u201cis completely cashless, sends reminders when the parking session is about to expire and lets drivers extend their parking time from anywhere,\u201d the city added.<\/p>\n
Sam Rogers, the city\u2019s commissioner of transportation and works, noted the new service \u201cwill make it easier and more convenient to pay for parking\u201d at municipal paid parking facilities.<\/p>\n
He added drivers, at some point, can also look for PayByPhone signage outside of Streetsville as the city eventually moves beyond the pilot and implements the system throughout Mississauga.<\/p>\n
How to use the new parking payment system:<\/p>\n
Access PayByPhone \u2014 download the PayByPhone app from Google Play or the App Store on your mobile device, visit paybyphone.com or call 1-888-680-7275.
\nProvide your phone number, email address, credit card number and licence plate number.
\nEnter the Zone ID (six-digit number) which will be displayed at the parking location. Note that parking purchased in a selected zone is valid for that zone only and is not transferable to other zones.
\nChoose how long you plan to park for and then confirm your selection.
\nIf you need to extend your parking session, you can add more time from the app without having to rush back to your car.<\/p>\n
Officials added the city\u2019s parking enforcement officers will also be able to verify the status of active parking sessions in real time on their handheld devices.<\/p>\n
Carmen Donnell, PayByPhone managing director for North America, said in the city\u2019s news release the system helps \u201csimplify the parking experience\u201d for drivers and one-time registration is quick.<\/p>\n
Mississauga has recently introduced a number of other new features to its parking system as well.<\/p>\n
Under new city rules to take effect later this year, drivers who get parking tickets in Mississauga will have more time to pay up, or challenge the fine<\/a>.<\/p>\n Those changes, approved in June by Mississauga city council, are part of an effort to modernize parking enforcement, improve compliance with parking regulations and enhance service delivery efficiency, the city said earlier.<\/p>\n The revamped system also includes the mailing out of parking tickets to offenders in addition to the extended timelines to either pay a parking ticket or request a review.<\/p>\n Those new rules will take effect in October.<\/p>\n (Cover photo: City of Mississauga)<\/p>\n