Hoosier State Today

The City of Bloomington Parking Services is excited to introduce a new parking feature for ParkMobile users. Users can now pre-set the amount of time they want to park and can stop the parking session when desired. The duration of a parking session can easily be managed directly in the app and from a phone. The completely digital process puts parkers in charge of parking time. 

The changes include allowing parkers to select one-hour parking increments, including opting to cover the full 13 hours of enforcement. Downtown parking enforcement hours are from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday for all pay-by-phone and meter locations.  

“Bloomington’s thriving downtown businesses benefit from customers having accessible, efficient, and flexible parking,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “The ParkMobile changes offer users convenience and choice.” 

Users already familiar with the ParkMobile app may continue usage as before. This includes selecting up to 13 hours and stopping when parking time is completed or selecting a shorter duration and stopping a session sooner than the time selected. Users may also allow the selected time to expire and be charged for the entire time. Users can also be sent a text message reminder to extend a session. Currently, ParkMobile charges a convenience fee of $0.50 per transaction unless a user is a ParkMobile Pro or Wallet user.

Equitable Access Considerations

• ParkMobile Pro

Users that utilize the ParkMobile service more than 4 to 5 times a week may upgrade to ParkMobile Pro for only $0.99 per month, and convenience fees will be reduced to $0.30 per transaction.

• ParkMobile Wallet

Users that would like to save money on every transaction fee may utilize ParkMobile Wallet and place a minimum of $25 in their wallet; convenience fees will be reduced to $0.40 per transaction. 

• No Smartphone? 

Drivers that don’t own smartphones may easily pay for parking by calling a toll-free IVR number and making a payment over the phone. This number is located on the lower right-hand corner of the new signage.

• No Credit or Debit Card? 

Drivers without a credit card can use PayPal to connect a bank account or use a prepaid card as payment.

• Unbanked? 

Drivers without bank accounts may use a prepaid card or a reloadable prepaid card from a retailer like GreenDot or Netspend.

New ParkMobile signage and stickers are now placed in areas where Parking Services offer both meter and pay-by-phone parking. Parking Services also now provides a QR code on all signs and stickers, allowing users to scan with their smartphone to pay.  

Users can pay by Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, or a prepaid card or reloadable prepaid card. Payment features may be accessed by app usage, QR code, or telephone. These new enhancements and features are part of an effort to streamline the parking experience in the City of Bloomington.

Original source can be found here.