(COLUMBIA, MO) -
Parkmobile is now optional on meters in downtown Columbia. Look for the green Parkmobile label, which has directions on how to use the app along with a zone number. Of course, customers can still pay by coin if they choose, or any other option available on their meter.
"If you choose to use the app, there are a number of very useful benefits," said Drew Brooks, who oversees transit and parking operations for the City. "But we also believe it's important to allow parkers to pay in traditional ways, such as by coin or the City's EZ Park Card."
First-time users will need to download the free app from parkmobile.com or the app store for their device. That is followed by a one-time registration process requiring the user to enter their license plate number and other information.
One of the advantages the app provides is reducing the number of citations issued to people who overstay their meters. With the app, parkers can be notified by text when the meter is about to expire so more time can be added or the vehicle can be moved. The meter can be fed remotely from any location (but not exceeding the maximum time allowed on the meter). The app also allows storage of up to five license plate numbers and five users per profile, but to avoid citations, license plate numbers must be entered correctly.
"It's the parker's responsibility to know their license plate number and enter it accurately," said Tanner Morrell, who supervises the City's parking enforcement agents. "Standard issue Missouri license plates use zeros, not the letter O, so some people enter that incorrectly by mistake. The app cannot automatically convert the letter O to a zero because some people need to use the letter O for their personalized plates or out-of-state plates."
Users of the app should also be aware that there is a 45-cent service charge for each transaction on the app. This includes a 10-cent credit card transaction fee that the City stopped subsidizing in 2015. The user fee covers all of the app's features including the ability to save favorite and recently used zones, the ability to view and print parking history, and the ability to pay by MasterPass, Visa Checkout or PayPal.
Parkmobile is also assisting with areas of the City that are considered "low occupancy" based on their lower parking meter usage. Meters have been removed at about 100 of these locations and replaced with Parkmobile signs that only allow the app. Another 200 spaces, which still have the meters, are available to anyone who wishes to participate in the City's Downtown Parking Pilot Program.
The Downtown Parking Pilot Program is designed to provide employees of downtown businesses and others who have long-term parking needs with affordable parking options. For a flat fee of $35 per month, participants can purchase a permit that can be used at any on-street 10-hour meter. The program is limited to 200 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants may register with Parkmobile.
Instructional videos, maps and more information about Parkmobile options and services are available at CoMo.gov.
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