Published: 12/16/2019 10:21:47 PM
GREENFIELD — Visitors to Greenfield don’t need to have physical coins to feed the meter anymore.
Last week, the city officially launched Passport Parking, a mobile app available on smartphones that facilitates payments for parking.
Visitors can use the app at all metered spaces in Greenfield, though the parking meters will still be available for people who want to use coins.
Mayor William Martin said the new app allows for the best of both worlds.
“Rather than do away with the meters, we can keep them, allow people to use them or use the app,” he said. “It satisfies all users.”
In addition to being able to pay for parking through the app, drivers can:
■Extend their sessions remotely
■Keep track of all parking history
■Receive notifications
■Get email receipts
Martin said the idea for the app arose out of convenience.
“The city was committed to bringing parking kiosks and we now can use the same company, Passport, for the parking garage and the app,” Martin said. “It’s primarily for the convenience of customers, residents and those who come to the area. The city is moving forward, continuing to be tech-friendly.”
Not only will it be convenient for visitors, but parking enforcement employees will be able to monitor parking easier as well, according to the mayor’s office.
Drivers can download the Passport Parking app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account with an email address or phone number, then proceed to enter their license plate and length of stay. Parking can also be managed online at passportparking.com.
“We’re excited to partner with the city of Greenfield and introduce another way to pay for parking,” said Mollie Bolin, sales executive at Passport. “One of the best features of the app is that it notifies users when their parking time will expire. Drivers can then extend their parking time directly from their smartphones up to the maximum allotted time.”
Permits available Also in the theme of parking, permit renewals and purchasing will begin Tuesday.
Parking lot permits are sold annually only. However, passes at the Olive Street Parking Garage can be purchased by month.
A 2020 parking permit can be purchased online or in-person at the treasurer/collector’s office, and must be picked up in-person. To expedite the process, officials recommend purchasing on the Greenfield city website.
The treasurer/collector’s office will handle all parking-related inquiries.