Comments on: Atlantic Station Adopts Pay-By-Phone Parking Meter; Decatur Weighs In

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:29:45 +0000

Might be workable if the goal of metered parking was revenue, but it’s not. Metered parking is designed to provide convenient access to downtown retail and, while this idea does address the need for turnover of spaces, it misses the fact that–in this era of endless choices and easy mobility–downtown’s life or death is dependent on destination traffic on top of consistent locals. All of which is dependent on ease of use.

Prepaid parking permits create a barrier for the tourist, the serendipitous visitor, the infrequent customer, the special occasion diner, etc., all of whom are critical for retailers to survive. We can’t bemoan a struggling main street and complain about metered parking at the same time. If they’re something we value, we need to support our retailers in other ways besides just dropping in to buy something.

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:06:00 +0000

Darn nice for those that park downtown a lot, but I would guess that the counter-argument is that it wouldn’t provide an alternative for out-of-towners without any change.

But I get your point.

By: karass

karass — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:28:55 +0000

Who knew about this?!!! Depending on the true cost, it could be darn nice for someone who has to park downtown a lot. It’s great to walk/cycle but many of us have little ones in tow and byzantine carpooling, sherpa duties and need to park the mom-mobile.

This would also make a good gift. Or auction item.

By: HDog

HDog — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:21:49 +0000

Cellphone meters??? A study in technological intoxication.
Here is an idea, once a year, I go to city hall (or online) and pay oh, I dunno, $100-$200 and get a serial (cereal) numbered sticker that goes on my windshield. That sticker give me 2 hours at any meter in Decatur.
The PALS (why do they seem to be anything but my pal? but that is another conversation) can chalk my tire and ticket me if I got beyond 2 hours.
simple
very low capitol investment
Infrastructure is mostly in place
Gives the city revenue right now that they do not have to share with the “provider”
Still prevents all day parking space hogging

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:06:50 +0000

I have used the system a few times and I really like it. I never seem
to have coins when I need them for a parking meter so this is great (I always have my phone with me) and coins don’t send you a reminder when your time is up. My only gripe is that not all the meters in Decatur are on this system.