Alberta Health Services is looking at changing the way hospital users pay for parking.
Currently, users pay for parking via parking meters or at a pay station, but AHS is looking at pay-by-phone as an alternative service.
“In an effort to improve customer service and operations, an alternative payment and tracking method is required for public customers of AHS and AHS staff. Pay-by-phone has been determined to be the most efficient solution,” reads a request for proposal (RFP) released by AHS.
AHS says the program is intended to allow hospital users to pay up-front for a specific amount of time. The service will include a notification via text, an app or an email stating when parking time will expire. It will also allow the user to purchase, extend or end a period of parking time via his or her phone, an app or a website.
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Spokesperson Bruce Conway said the pay-by-phone option will benefit Albertans.
“When implemented, the pay-by-phone option will allow AHS patients and visitors to pay for parking at our sites using a simple application on their smart phone. They will be able to pay for parking in the comfort of their own vehicle or inside the facility. By registering and using the app visitors and patients can more accurately pay for the time they are at the site,” he said.
Conway said AHS does not use taxpayer dollars for parking and parking fees are meant to cover the costs of maintaining and building new parking structures. The RFP states AHS will receive 100 per cent of the revenue that is collected by the alternative service.
AHS will conduct a pilot project in the Calgary zone then it may extend that project to other zones. A vendor is expected to be selected in March.
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