San Mateo rolls out smartphone parking payment: PayByPhone at two formerly free parking lots draws some concern

Beginning this month, the city began requiring people to pay by phone at two of its formerly free lots — a switch that has some scratching their heads.

As part of its parking management plan, the city opted to begin charging at the former Kinko’s and Worker Resource Center lots at Fifth and Railroad avenues. Those without monthly parking permits are now charged 25 cents per hour and can only pay through an online app or by calling a toll-free number to provide a credit card.

But not offering a pay station has some longtime users upset and Deputy Mayor David Lim said he’s concerned about those who don’t use smartphones so he plans to request a traditional meter be installed as well.

Using the vendor PayByPhone, the city plans to roll out the online payment option to other downtown parking spaces over the coming months starting with its busy garages. People would still be able to use existing pay stations. Online users must have a valid credit card to create an account and can “feed the meter” without having to return to their cars.

“Technology makes it easier to pay for parking, manage parking and improves the experience of those visiting downtown San Mateo,” Mayor Joe Goethals said in a press release. “Incorporating PayByPhone and providing customers with an additional way to pay for parking is a convenient use of available technology.”

But while paying via a mobile app might appeal to many, it appears to be problematic or a bit of a nuisance to those seeking to simply park and go instead of waiting for a download.

After the holiday weekend, employees of downtown businesses and shoppers returned to the commonly used lot with mixed opinions.

Half Moon Bay resident Russ Johnson was headed to a local hardware store when he almost turned in to the lot. After noticing a makeshift sign advertising the new requirements, he opted to park on the street and feed the meter instead.

Knowing that a quarter doesn’t buy much time nowadays, Johnson agreed using an app might be more convenient under the right circumstances.

“I think it would be easier,” Johnson said. “But I was in a rush and figured I’d have to download an app just to park.”

Others were less than thrilled with the option, particularly as no permanent signs — only two small folded barricades with paper signs were visible Tuesday — had been set up to instruct users of the change.

Lee, who preferred not to give his last name, said he’s worked in downtown for years and was extremely frustrated that he couldn’t pay with cash. Acknowledging he wasn’t very tech savvy and didn’t use a smartphone, Lee said being unable to pay in person was confusing as well as inconvenient.

“It’s wrong. Totally wrong,” Lee said. “I don’t mind paying the money, but they have to post [the rules] right.”

Irritated, Lee said the city should provide a grace period and clearly explain the changes before enforcing the new rules.

City officials planned to conduct outreach and answer questions at the lots this week to assist those who need help adjusting to the implementation of PayByPhone, said Rebecca Zito, San Mateo’s communications and marketing program manager.

Because the lot was previously free of charge and there weren’t existing meters, it would have cost about $10,000 per new station and instituting the PayByPhone method was determined to be more cost effective, Zito said.

Furthermore, nearly 85 percent of the lot is used by monthly permit holders, she added.

“There is little space available for hourly parking in these two areas. Those not wanting to use an app or a credit card to pay for parking can park in other areas of the downtown where pay stations and meters are available,” Zito said in an email.

The two lots were a focus of the council when it first considered charging for formerly free parking; they are also the cheapest in downtown.

Ultimately, these city-owned surface lots are slated for redevelopment with officials considering a range of options such as housing, parking or office space.

Lim said the council didn’t explicitly discuss only using PayByPhone at the lots so he planned to talk to staff about installing at least one pay station. Lim said using smartphone apps are a great way to pay for parking, but he’s concerned for seniors or others who may not feel the same.

“I’m very sensitive to the fact that there is sort of a generational gap and a socioeconomic gap,” Lim said. “Not everyone has a smartphone and you shouldn’t be prohibited from parking there if you don’t have a smartphone.”

Eventually, having PayByPhone available throughout downtown in addition to the pay stations could be a benefit as it provides more options to users and is outlined in the city’s overall parking management plan, according to Zito and Lim.

samantha@smdailyjournal.com

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