Parking has become simpler in Columbia - Parkmobile pay app debutes at selected meters in Downtown Columbia

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Paying for parking at selected meters in downtown Columbia is now simpler! Today, Columbia Public Works Parking Utility, in partnership with Parkmobile, debuts a smart phone app which allows customers to pay for parking at selected meter spaces downtown.

Meters on South 9th Street between University Ave and Broadway, along with meters on the south-side of Broadway between 8th and 10th streets, can accept payment via the Parkmobile app.

The Parkmobile app is quick and easy to download. Simply go to Parkmobile.com or scan the QR code on any Parkmobile enabled meter, download the app, register, and began paying for parking via the app. It's that simple!

Each Parkmobile enabled meter will have a bright green sticker with a unique four-digit parking zone number. When you park, you can pay with the the Parkmobile app, or you can still pay with a credit/debit card, or coin. (No EZPay cards).

Meeting or appointment run longer than expected? With the Parkmobile app you can add time to the meter, up to the maximum allowed, remotely from your smartphone. And, you can set reminders so that you are notified before your meter expires.

In 2012, at the request of the Parking Task Force, a pilot project using credit card enabled meters, and the Parkmobile app, showed highly favorable interest in both. Credit/debit card enabled meters were installed in 2014. The reintroduction of the Parkmobile app for payment option was approved by council in December of 2014.

There is no cost to the city to reimplement the Parkmobile payment option. Parkmobile charges a thirty-five cent transaction fee to the user.

Public Works Parking Utility will look to expand Parkmobile enabled meters in other areas of downtown in the future, however specific implementation times and locations have not been established.