EDMONTON – Edmontonians are about to have more options when it comes to paying for parking in certain parts of downtown, as the City launches an EPark pilot program.
The new system uses a single machine instead of individual meters, and will free drivers of having to fish around for change, or running out to feed their meter. While the new system will still allow people to pay with coins, it will also accept credit cards, along with payments by cell phone. Users will be able to get a notification before their meter runs out, as well.
“You can just activate a parking session and get reminders if you’re running out of time, or if your meeting’s cut short. You only have to pay for the time you use, rather than estimating the time you need at a parking space,” explained Troy McLeod, general manager of Calgary parking authority.
Calgary first came out with the system in 2007, and has seen a lot of success with it. The city’s equipment will be used during Edmonton’s pilot project, which as of Monday will be in effect around Churchill Square and on a stretch of Jasper Avenue. The pilot will run until late fall.
Mayor Stephen Mandel says City Council has been pushing for this system for awhile, and would have liked to see it implemented a few years ago.
“But you know, often times in the world of government, things move along at a turtle’s pace. But at least it’s here, it’s done now.”
To pay, users will have to input the parking zone number (which will be prominently displayed on the street), their license plate number, and how much time they need. People will also be able to use a free MyParkingEDM app or the EPark website to find parking spots.
“It’s going to take a bit of time for people to figure it out, but all technology takes a bit of time,” Mandel says. “People have learned how to use their cell phones and apps…over the number of months, they’ll get adjusted to it.”
McLeod compares the system to using a bank machine.
“The first you’ve ever used a bank machine, you know, there are a few steps you have to go through; same thing with the Park Plus system. Once you’ve done it once, it’s very simple.”
The new system will be enforced by parking officers in cars, rather than on foot; vehicle license plates will be scanned as they drive by, and those in violation will get a ticket in the mail. Eventually, smaller vehicles will also receive a 25 per cent discount for taking up less space – that information will be obtained from the person’s license plate.
Edmonton plans to have the EPark system in place for all city-operated paid parking areas by mid-2014.
For the pilot, parking rates will stay the same as they are now. As the arena district develops, though, they may change.
For more information on the system, visit the EPark website.
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News
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