Parking Meter Smart Cards

The Philadelphia Parking Authority recently upgraded the city’s parking meters in order to provide more convenient meter parking for Philadelphia residents, businesses and visitors. All meters now accept both Smart Cards and coins.

Using Smart Cards

Have you noticed that the parking meters in Philadelphia look a little different these days? The Philadelphia Parking Authority has equipped all meters throughout the city to accept Smart Cards as well as coins!

Now you won’t have to hunt for quarters when you want to park at a meter! Smart Cards are the size of a credit card, so they fit conveniently in your wallet or pocket. The smart cards are available online in $20 and $50 denominations. They can also be purchased in stores in $10 and $20 denominations.

The Smart Way to Pay for Parking

To pay for parking with your Smart Card, simply insert it into the slot on the parking meter. The meter will read the tiny microchip embedded in your card and show you how much money is left on your Smart Card.

Your card will automatically begin adding time to the meter in 25¢ increments, deducting that amount of money from the remaining value on your card. When you reach the desired amount of time on the meter, remove your card from the slot.

Cards will not add time beyond the meter’s pre-set limit, or if purchasing additional time would carry you into a time when parking is prohibited on that block. For example, if your meter is zoned for two hour parking, you will not be able to pay for more than two hours. Similarly, if you park in a space at 3:30 PM that is zoned No Parking 4 PM – 6 PM, you will only be able to pay for 30 minutes using your Smart Card.

At this time, Smart Cards are not to re-loadable; when your Smart Card runs out, please discard it and purchase another.

Buy Smart Cards at a Store Near You

• Parking Violations Branch
  913 Filbert St.
  Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Traffic Court
  500 N. 8th St.
  Philadelphia, PA 19123
• PPA Impoundment Lot
  2501 Weccacoe Ave.
  Philadelphia, PA 19148
• Residential Parking Permit
  3101 Market Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19104

Still More Questions?

For more information, please visit our: Smart Cards FAQ »

Prepaid Smart Cards are the convenient way to pay for parking at more than 14,500 meters around Philadelphia.