The City of Spokane announced today they are starting the process to convert ALL their old parking meters to new versions that can be used with credit cards. They will also provide real-time parking availability information through an online application.
The new meters will allow customers to pay with coins, credit cards, or cell phones throughout the downtown core. Installation will be completed in phases. Approximately 100 existing credit card meters were removed this week upon completion of a trial and returned to the vendor. They will be replaced by the new meters within the next few weeks.
Each meter will contain a vehicle sensor, which will track individual spot occupancy, turnover, and overall time stays. The data will be used to further refine the parking system and allow visitors to see available parking on a web-based application.
The remaining 700 meters will be installed in mid-September.