Universitites launch mobile pay for park
10 September, 2015
category: Mobile
Parking on campus can be a major headache, and there’s nothing more annoying that getting a parking ticket. But some universities are respodning by offering more flexible and convenient options when it comes to parking, particularly as it relates to payments.
Parkmobile is an app that can make it easy to pay for parking via smartphone or other mobile device, as well as help students avoid parking tickets. The solution has recently gone live on the campuses of Iowa State University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Per a report from local CBS affiliate KCCI Des Moines, Iowa State sealed a three-year deal with Parkmobile, whose mobile app enables students to pay for and renew parking from a smartphone. The app also sends alerts when a parking slot is running out of time, which can help to save money when a ticket is issued, as well as provide a level of convenience not available with standard meters.
Prior to the new app, students who were issued a parking ticket would have to report to the brick and mortar parking office to reconcile the fine. It’s a process that can be avoided with the acceptance of mobile payments.
The app does come with a cost in the form of a transaction fee. For students that use the smart mobile wallet, there is a $0.15 transaction fee. For those that use their debit or credit card, there is a $0.35 transaction fee.
Since Parkmobile was launched, the university estimates that some 6% of ISU students have used the app. Iowa State has designated over 500 parking spaces on campus to be compatible with the new app, with 270 spots on campus not yet compatible with Parkmobile.
Parkmobile also announced its partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As with Iowa State, the app is available for iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry devices or by calling a toll-free number. The Parkmobile service is being offered at more than 2,800 spaces around UWM’s campus.
