Watch above: Wondering how to use the new parking pay stations? Andrew Hildebrandt from the City of Saskatoon gives Joelle Tomlinson a demonstration.
SASKATOON – Saskatoon is replacing its 2,800 parking meters which have extended their average lifespan. The city is ready to turn on its first FlexParking pay stations.
Once the first set of new stations are activated at 9 a.m. Thursday, coin meters will be covered with a white and yellow hood so drivers can test out the nearest FlexParking station.
“This easy-to-use system will replace the old coin meters in the downtown and core business districts enabling much more flexibility in payment and parking options,” said Andrew Hildebrandt, the city’s director of community standards.
To start out, the stations will accept coins, credit cards and the new parking card, which is available at city hall. Pay stations are equipped for cellphone transactions but that feature is not yet available.
The new solar-powered pay stations will not accept bills.
READ MORE: New parking stations being installed in Saskatoon
“As we transition from the old coin meters to the new pay stations we will have a street team on hand, wearing bright yellow toques, to help drivers and answer questions,” said Hildebrandt.
Customers’ payments are tied to their licence plate, so there is no need to display a ticket on the vehicle’s dash. Parking commissionaires will be able to tell how much time vehicles have left using licence plate identification and recognition software.
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Once all stations are activated, drivers will be able to move their vehicles using a single purchase at multiple parking spaces. However, drivers must still obey posted time limits.
The first pay stations to be turned are on:
- 2nd Avenue between 19th Street and 23rd Street
- 21st Street between 1st Avenue and Spadina Crescent
In the coming weeks, all 325 pay stations will be turned on in stages. New parking stations are located in the city’s core business district areas, including Broadway, Riversdale and Sutherland.
The old meter heads will be removed; however, the city is currently looking into options to repurpose the poles.
For more information, visit the City of Saskatoon or call 306-975-2980.
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