BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Changes are afoot in how drivers in Burlington pay for parking that could spell the end for parking meters in the Queen City.
The clinking of coins might soon be a thing of the past when parking in Burlington. The city has gotten rid of single-space parking meters on Cherry Street and the Pearl Street parking lot in exchange for contactless parking via a mobile app.
The city has been using the Park Mobile app for nearly a decade, which many drivers find convenient.
“It was really easy. I was able to log on. It asked me my location and I just kind of got it done,” said Elias Adler, a visitor from New York.
“I feel like it’s more convenient in a way for some people,” said Burlington resident Daniel Wick.
But others say the app is a hassle. “I don’t like that idea at all. I don’t like to have to use a card for everything. I much prefer to use cash if I possibly can,” said Karen Clark of Colchester.
“I would rather put some coins in and just go, not worry about it,” added Lanny Clark.
City officials say those who don’t want to use the app can pay at a nearby kiosk, and the kiosks do accept cards, cash, and coins. Along with convenience for drivers, the city says managing parking electronically is more efficient. Another reason for the switch is an increase in parking meter vandalism.
One benefit drivers will lose is being able to pull into a parking spot that’s already paid for. “People used to overpay their meters and I guess leave some time there for the next person. Now, you can’t really do that, you gotta pay your own,” Wick said.
Between on-street parking, city lots, garages, and parking fines, the city takes in about $3 million in revenue each year. That money goes directly toward a range of transportation costs — such as building bike lanes, painting lines, and paying crossing guards.