For visitors to the University of Idaho campus who use metered parking spots, paying to park just got a little easier.
Hayden Crosby | Argonaut
Ben Frey uses his credit card to pay for parking at one of the 68 new SmartMeters installed by the University of Idaho Parking and Transportation Services. The total cost of the new meters was $35,000.
University of Idaho Parking and Transportation Services installed 68 new SmartMeters in place of conventional coin meters in order to provide customers with a more convenient payment option.
UI junior Nate Lothrop has used the coin-only meters many times and said keeping change was often a hassle.
“It was a pain to have change on me constantly, and a debit or credit card would have been much easier,” Lothrop said.
The new meters accept debit or credit cards or coins. PTS employees installed the new meters using the posts of the old meters and adding new heads. The total project cost was $35,000 and all meter renovation was completed in one day.
Shawna Bertlin, PTS information specialist, said the process of choosing the SmartMeters started with a 90-day trial in Jan. 2013.
Surveys were given to meter users to test their satisfaction with the new meters.
“As long as they were able to pay, they seemed satisfied,” Bertlin said. “We received a very positive reaction, even though the parking price went up.”
Though hourly parking prices have risen, PTS is attempting to fluctuate hourly rates by monitoring usage in order to find a “happy medium.” The current price of one hour parking Monday through Friday is $1.25 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and $0.75 per hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend and evening parking remains free of charge.
According to the PTS website, no time limitations will be imposed, but this could change according to demand.
After the meters were installed, PTS worked to perfect the web-based software used to operate the SmartMeters. Each meter uses solar power to replace battery drainage. This means PTS will no longer have to regularly replace meters.
Although the meters provide convenience, there is some concern about the storage and privacy of credit and debit card information.
“Credit and debit card info is secured so nobody has to worry about their information being stolen,” said Stuart Robb, parking services supervisor.
According to the parking website, no credit card data is retained by the new meters.
“Most of all, it’s safe,” Robb said.
The new system also allows PTS to more easily audit and fine deceitful parkers, but Robb said that customers are pleased with the flexibility of the new meters which makes parking easier.
“From a customer standpoint, it gives drivers flexibility and nobody has to have a permit,” Robb said. “You’re not limited to the coin anymore, you have options.”
Ari Anchustegui can be reached at [email protected]