Motorists can now use their debit or credit cards to pay for parking at the Chown and Hanson parking garages using autoPay.
autoPay – an automated parking attendant – is expected to reduce exit line-ups as many drivers will simply use their credit cards to exit these municipal garages.
“We surpassed the lifespan for the technology currently in place at our garages and we are replacing it with this new automated system. Advantages of the new parking payment system are that customers will now be able to pay with credit or debit cards and we anticipate shorter exit times. Eventually we will be offering ‘Tap and Go’ credit card payment technology, which will speed up transaction times even more,” says Paula Nichols, Manager Parking Operations. She notes the new payment system will also allow the City to collect more specific data on parking usage patterns in these garages.
City personnel will be on hand to help motorists become accustomed to the new payment system during the transitional period.
autoPay accepts three methods of payment:
- Fast – Ticket in. Pay at pay station.
Take a ticket as you enter. Keep your ticket with you. Prior to returning to your vehicle, use a pay station (credit card, debit card or cash accepted). Use your validated ticket to open the exit gate. - Faster – Ticket in. Credit card out.
Take a ticket as you enter. At the exit gate, enter your ticket and insert your credit card to open the exit gate. - Fastest – Credit card in. Credit card out.
At the entry gate, insert your credit card. At the exit gate, insert the same credit card to open the exit gate.
Remote assistance will be available 24/7 at the autoPay stations and gates. Kingston is following many municipalities and parking operators in moving to this automated payment technology.
Rates will mirror the former system as much as possible:
- First hour – FREE
- Every additional 30 minutes (or less) – $0.50
- Evenings 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sundays – $3 max.
Click here for a map municipal parking lots in downtown Kingston
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Release: City of Kingston | Image: Google Earth
