University parking now offers the option of paying parking meters by phone at select parking lots across campus.
The program, provided by Canadian company Verrus Mobile Technologies, Inc., originated in 2001 and today serves many cities throughout North America and Europe, according to the company’s website.
Notable cities in the U.S. that use Verrus’ Pay By Phone service include Miami, New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and Chicago, said Chris Morisawa, marketing coordinator of Verrus.
“Pay By Phone is all about convenience; drivers never have to worry about having the correct change on them for the parking meter,” Morisawa said. “One short phone call is all it takes.”
The University launched the program on Aug. 27 as part of a pilot program, said Andy Blacker, publicity promotions specialist of University Facilities and Services. The Pay By Phone program is currently serving only lots B1, C7, D22 and E3.
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Blacker added that the program is quick and easy to use. According to a recent Facilities and Services news release, the first step is to set up an account on paybyphone.com. The user is then eligible to use the Pay By Phone option at any participating location. Users can then receive text messages informing them of time expiring on their meters. Users are charged University parking rates as well as a convenience fee.
“We are providing another convenience to our customers,” Blacker said. “If it’s raining or snowing, you can literally sit in your car and pay for your parking.”
Users only need a mobile phone number, an eligible credit card and the license plate number of their automobile.
Cesar Figueroa, senior in Business, said the new payment options intrigue him. Figueroa said he has not used Verrus’ Pay By Phone option yet, but he sees it as an option in the future.
“In case you forget your money it’s a great way to pay off your meter,” Figueroa said. “I would definitely use it to get out of a ticket.”
Seong Jeon, senior in LAS, said while he thinks paying parking meters by phone is a great idea, he prefers the traditional payment method only because it helps him out with the change he accumulates.
“There’s not many ways to use coins out here,” Jeon said, “and parking is the best way to use them.”
