HOUSTON – A custom parking app for mobile payments called ParkHouston has been launched.
Houston city officials said the ParkHouston app allows parkers to use their mobile devices to pay for parking at the 9,200 metered, on-street parking spaces throughout the city.
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Customers using the app can pay for parking with their smartphones using a free mobile application available for iPhone and Android, city officials said.
"We want parking in Houston to be as easy as possible," Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "The ParkHouston app lets Houstonians park, pay and be on their way with the touch of a button. ParkHouston offers a customized experience for Houstonians, but still allows visitors to benefit from the nationwide Parkmobile network."
Parkmobile is also offering a resident discount program for ParkHouston customers. City officials said beginning Monday, Houstonians will be eligible to use the ParkHouston or Parkmobile app with no convenience fee, which is a savings of about 35 cents per parking session.
Houstonians will need to submit proof of residency to enjoy the app for free, city officials said. For more information, visit www.parkhoustontx.org.
"We are pleased to continue our partnership with the city of Houston to bring a city-centric, mobile payments solution to their residents and visitors," said Jon Ziglar, CEO of Parkmobile, LLC. "This service makes paying for parking fast and simple, enhancing the customer parking experience. Parkmobile and ParkHouston have worked together to refresh the existing program, and we look forward to continue working with them to offer drivers an easier, more efficient way of parking."
The app allows customers to input payment information while also sending a 15-minute reminder before the meter expires, city officials said.
To add more time, customers don't need to walk back to the car, as it's as easy as pushing a button. City officials said compliance officers will be able to see that a motorist has paid with the ParkHouston app using their wireless handheld devices.
Parkmobile has operated in Houston since 2011. City officials said current Parkmobile customers can still pay for parking in Houston using their Parkmobile app or by upgrading to the new ParkHouston app.
To set up an account, customers download the mobile app from the Apple or Google Play store and sign up using their mobile number, or by calling, city officials said. Once registered, parkers can begin using the app with their registered mobile device or call the toll-free number to pay for parking.
City officials said a toll-free number is posted on signage near the meters for those without a smartphone to make on-street payments.
