Parking in Philadelphia soon made easy with new app

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Friday, May 22, 2015
VIDEO: Parking in Philly soon made easy with new app
Paying for parking in parts of the city will soon be as easy as taking out your smartphone.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paying for parking in parts of the city will soon be as easy as taking out your smartphone - thanks to the Philadelphia Parking Authority's new app.



"Yeah - no one likes parking in the city and you're pretty much guaranteed to get a ticket," said Craig Richecti.



Driver might like parking in Philadelphia thanks to the app Pango.



The six month trial period is slated to start by mid-summer. It will include the Washington Square portion of Center City with hopes to expand.



With the app, reminders will alert parkers to fill their meters on their smartphones - which means no more rushing to the meter.



During a hearing earlier in May, the Mayor's office had concerns that a decrease in parking tickets could put a dent in the funds that city schools receive.



Those funds are a byproduct of Philadelphia Parking Authority revenue.



Last year the city received more than $37 million from the PPA and nearly $10 million of that went to schools.



"We're hoping it will stay revenue neutral. This is about parking in the city and bringing business into the city and making a visit into the city more enjoyable. That brings tax revenue, it brings business - there are other things to consider," said Vince Fenerty, PPA executive director.



Specifically to offset impact to schools, City Council passed a bill Thursday that increases the rate to refill the meter through the Pango app. There will also be a time limit to increase the turnover.



"I wouldn't mind it, if it would be more convenient for me," said Trina Lightbourn.



Pango will cover credit card processing fees and upgrades to PPA devices.



Kiosks and stand-alone meters will still be an option.



The company expects to make money on advertising.



Pango has already been used in Wildwood, New Jersey and Philadelphia is the largest contract the company has had so far.

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