[Archived] Phone Payment Service Now Makes Parking More Convenient in Alexandria

With the launch of the Pango phone payment system this month, motorists in Alexandria now have another convenient way to pay for metered parking spaces.  The service, which provides the ability to make payments via a smartphone app or toll-free phone number, is an alternative to the pay station kiosks on each block. Alexandria is the first locality in Virginia to offer phone payments for on-street parking.

“We are delighted to provide this convenient service to our residents, visitors, and businesses,” said Mayor William D. Euille.  “We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get around Alexandria.”

The service, which is operated by Pango USA, is available via the “Pango Parking” smartphone app, or by calling toll-free 855.547.2646.  The app is available for iPhone and iPad, Android, and BlackBerry.

Customers register their credit card and license plate information to create an account.  Each time a customer parks, the app or phone number is used to start parking by entering the zone number found on signs along each metered block.  Because parking enforcement officers use their handheld devices to see a list of license plate numbers with active parking payments, it is not necessary for a customer to visit a pay station or display a paper receipt if the Pango service is used.

When the customer returns to the vehicle, the app or phone number may be used to end the parking session.  Unlike current options, this allows the customer to pay for only the time actually used to park.  If the customer does not end the session, it will end automatically when the maximum time permitted for that space is reached.

Users of the phone payment system pay the normal metered parking fee, plus a convenience fee of 29 cents per parking session.  As part of the City’s launch, Pango USA is providing two hours of free parking to the first 5,000 users, and will waive the convenience fee for all users through March 1, 2014.

The system will also let restaurants, shops, and other businesses provide complimentary parking promotions to their customers via prepaid codes.  The smartphone app includes a map of both City-operated and privately operated parking garages, with information about rates and operating hours.

The City selected Pango USA to operate the system, after a competitive bidding process.  There is no cost to the City to establish or maintain this service.  Pango USA has paid for all necessary software, signage, and marketing materials.  Today, Pango operates in nearly 50 cities worldwide, serving more than 1 million active accounts.

For more information about the City’s pay-by-phone service visit alexandriava.gov/PayByPhone.