The Borough of Carlisle in the US state of Pennsylvania is replacing its ageing single-space parking meters with 56 Flowbird pay-by-plate smart parking kiosks.
There will now be three modernised digital payment options: the Flowbird mobile payment app, pay-by-text and extend-by-text.
The new parking system will feature 56 solar-powered parking kiosks with a 9.7-inch full-colour touch display accessible for all customers, including meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The touch screen display has the look and feel of a tablet, walking users step-by-step through the transaction process.
To begin, the user enters the licence plate number of their vehicle and the desired length of stay. Payment is accepted with either coins or debit/credit card. Once payment has been made, the parking session has started; no need to walk back to the vehicle to display a receipt on the dashboard.
Drivers who are making a quick stop to the downtown area also have the option to use the “15 minutes free parking” option at the kiosks after inputting their licence plate number.
With the new feature extend-by-text, users finish their transaction on the kiosk and will have the option to input their mobile phone number. When their parking session is about to expire, they will receive a text with the option to add more time remotely without needing to walk back to the pay station.
The Flowbird app allows patrons to pay for parking from their mobile devices, receive text notifications when time is about to expire and extend their time without having to visit a parking kiosk. It features a map-based user interface, integrated with Waze and other navigation systems to guide users to their preferred parking location.
Meanwhile, the web-based pay-by-text allows drivers to pay for their parking session directly from their phone without creating an account or downloading an app. Once the user is parked, they can find a number posted on the side of the kiosk or nearby sign near their parking location.
The user texts the number provided, immediately receiving a secure link to follow to input their parking details. They enter licence plate number, parking duration and payment information. A confirmation is sent and their parking session begins. Information is sent to parking enforcement who can verify the vehicle is in compliance. There is no need to create an account, download an app, or visit a kiosk.
Project management and installation is being managed by Flowbird’s local distribution partner, Butts Ticket Systems.
