Release Date: Tuesday, April 26th 2011
CREDIT CARD SWIPE ON TRIAL FOR PARKING METERS IN DOWNTOWN TEMPE
N e w s R e l e a s e
For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 7,2011
Media Contact: Elizabeth Carless, Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. - (480) 355-6068 elizabeth@downtowntempe.com
CREDIT CARD SWIPE ON TRIAL FOR PARKING METERS IN DOWNTOWN TEMPE
Tempe, AZ – Fumbling in your cup holder for loose change will be a thing of the past as Downtown Tempe has launched a trial program offering a credit card swipe mechanism on parking meters along Mill Avenue. From a consumer perspective this will allow patrons to more easily park and have the ability to pay with their credit card. The minimum charge to utilize the credit card swipe feature is $1.50 which allows for 1 hour of parking time and $2 allows for 1 hour 20 minutes which is the current parking time limit.
In addition to the credit card payment feature, there are many benefits to the new parking meters which are solar powered to eliminate battery usage and the meters have a web-based management system for operational efficiency. But the greatest feature of the program is giving the customer complete control. “We are very excited about the new parking meters from so many perspectives. We hope people will find the whole experience of parking more convenient so they can enjoy all that the area has to offer without searching for dimes and quarters,” said Adam Jones, VP Parking and Operations for Downtown Tempe Community, Inc.
The meters are up and running and will be functioning on a trial basis for the next 90 days to determine popularity, usage and cost effectiveness for Downtown Tempe. If the trial proves successful, expansion of the meters to other locations throughout Mill Avenue District will be implemented as the credit card swipe meters are currently only on Mill Avenue. Further plans include time limit extensions to 3 hours from the current 1 hour / 20 minute limit and a wireless feature that allows patrons to pay for parking using their cell phone upon notification. The coin feature remains intact for those who choose and customer feedback will be very important. Those who use the meters during the trial period and wish to offer feedback are encouraged to contact Adam Jones at Downtown Tempe Community at 480-355-6060.
ABOUT DTC
Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. (DTC) is the private, non-profit organization that manages the Mill Avenue District and is responsible for the vibrancy and excellence of the cultural, lifestyle, and commerce experience in the District. Mill Avenue District, Inc. works in partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value of downtown Tempe through enhanced management and promotional services on behalf of Mill Avenue District members and other downtown stakeholders. For more information visit www.millavenue.com.
