Parking in Downtown Williamsburg just got a little bit easier.
The city announced announced it would be launching the new Passport Parking app for drivers who use the Prince George Parking Garage, according to a news release from the city.
“The Passport Parking app is free, simple and painless,” said Mark Barham, the city’s director of information technology, in the news release. “Out-of-town visitors, who would not be interested in setting up an online account that they would only use when they visit the area, can download the app, delete it after they leave or keep it and use it at other locations across the U.S.”
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The free app will allow drivers to digitally pay for parking and avoid using the pay station entirely. Users also aren’t required to set up an online account with the pay station.
To use the app, drivers have to provide their vehicle and payment information and then can start parking in the garage.
Using the app is similar to using a virtual parking meter because drivers simply enter the amount of time they plan to park in the area and just before that time expires, they are notified through email or text. Once they receive the notification, they have the option to extend the session using the app on their smartphone without having to return to their vehicle.
In the past, the Prince George Parking Garage has had difficulties creating an easy payment system for users, which resulted in long lines and complaints from users. Earlier in the year, the garage started on creating a new system to address those issues.
In addition, the garage did away with the original gate and ticket system because it was outdated and nearly impossible to repair, according to the news release.
Most recently, there was a technology update that required drivers to “check-in” before leaving the garage. Drivers could make online accounts through the city that would use license plate recognition system to charge them. However, those who did not have an account found themselves waiting in lines at the pay station, according to the news release.
However, the app does not take the place of the online account. Barham said the app is just another tool to pay for parking while creating an online account remains a reliable way to drive in and out without having to use the pay station.
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With the new app, drivers now have three different options to pay for parking: they can use the pay station, create an online account or use the app.
“The mobile pay technology is reliable and convenient for users and will help increase revenue to the city, while also reducing the number of parking tickets given,” Barham said.
The app works with cities across the globe from London to Los Angeles. In the app, each parking are is defined by different zone names and the Prince George Parking Garage is named Zone 1699. The number was chosen to signify the year the original colony was founded and can also be easily located on the city’s logo.
“We are excited to bring our technology to Williamsburg, Virginia to help digitize and modernize their operations,” said Tom Wiese, sales director at Passport. “With the Passport Parking app, drivers can park, pay directly from their smartphones, and then get on with their day.”
The Passport Parking app is free to download on the App Store, Google Play or through Passport Parking online.
