Park. Phone. Pay.

New system allows for parking payment via cell phone, but comes with a small convenience charge

By Richard Davis
TFW Staff Writer

If you’re not using your cell phone enough already, here’s one more way to exploit that mobile device: use it to pay for parking in the Fayetteville entertainment district.
The program begins today, but it takes a little work and costs a little extra for the convenience. You’ll have to register your cell number as well as a Visa or MasterCard online at www.verrus.com/verrus/SignUp.aspx or by calling 1-888-450-PARK.
Thereafter, use your phone to call 1-888-450-7275, enter the location number for Fayetteville (#2525) followed by your parking space number and length of time. In addition to the parking fee, you’ll be charged 35 cents per transaction.
And the cell pay option does offer some other bonuses. You can choose to get a text message reminder before your time is up and add more time. You can get an e-mail receipt for every transaction, very handy if, like me, you’re paranoid about something going awry or like to have a backup just in case. Also, if you need it, a history of your transactions can be had at www.paybyphone.com.
For the first six days — Tuesday, March 1 to Sunday, March 6 — you can park for free, if you register for the service and pay by phone. No signy-uppy, no free parky.
The service is provided by Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc., part of the PayPoint Group. For more information, visit www.paybyphone.com.

Here’s a list of positive points regarding the system sent out by the city of Fayetteville:

• No need for cash or credit cards at the meter
• No need to walk to a pay station
• Text message reminder is sent to your phone when parking time is almost up
• Receipt of payment is immediately e-mailed to your designated e-mail address
• Extend parking time remotely from your phone to avoid citations
• Pay for parking from the comfort and safety of your vehicle or from any location you are visiting
• View and print parking receipts online