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PPA’s Widely Popular meterUP Pay-by-Phone App is Coming Back

 

(PHILADELPHIA) — After an initial pilot period, the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s hugely popular meterUP pay-by-phone parking application will return shortly and expand citywide over the next four months.” After the success of the initial pilot program, we are delighted to offer this very popular and convenient pay-by-phone option to the parking public. Our customers will have the convenience of remotely paying or adding time for parking,” PPA’s Executive Director, Clarena Tolson said.

When initially introduced, meterUP was hailed as a PPA technological innovation aimed at improving customer service and convenience for motorists parking in Philadelphia. It was widely embraced because of its convenience and easy to use, customer-friendly application features.

“Our goal is to improve convenience and the overall parking experience in Philadelphia for all of our customers. We believe meterUP is a major step in the direction of improving customer service and convenience,” Tolson said.

The new meterUP app will allow drivers to pay for parking with a smartphone and remotely add more time to the kiosk. Registration and use of meterUP will be easy and save customers time and money. Users will be able to extend parking sessions remotely and stop time early to avoid wasting unused minutes. Customized parking expiration reminders will also be featured in meterUP. Clearly marked signs and decals with zone numbers and directions on how to use meterUP will be posted throughout the city over the next few weeks.

The PPA has partnered with Parkmobile, LLC to power the meterUP app. Parkmobile, LLC is highly regarded in the industry, with years of experience and a well-deserved reputation. They are the vendor to many large cities throughout the United States, including New York City, Denver, Dallas, Washington, DC, and Miami.

Commenting on the upcoming launch of meterUP, Parkmobile CEO Jon Ziglar said, “Parkmobile is proud to power meterUP — a convenient, accessible option for users to park on-the-go. With more than 7 million users, we have redefined the parking standard. Users no longer have to rely on coins or cards to pay for parking.”

“meterUP uses cutting-edge technology to offer real-time parking solutions on all mobile platforms. Now users will have the option to pay and add time to their parking meter remotely from the convenience of their mobile device. Philadelphia is a progressive, fast-paced city with a parking option to match. We look forward to working with the Philadelphia Parking Authority to offer these services,” he said.

After an initial start-up phase, meterUP and Parkmobile will be accepted for mobile payment of kiosk fees in Philadelphia – and conversely — the meterUP app may be used for payments in any locale in the country where Parkmobile is used.

Customers will be able to use meterUP by visiting meterUp.org, downloading the meterUP app available for iOS and Android, or by calling (877-727-5303). All customers will be required to download the new meterUP application.

 

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Oak Lane Library Community Expo: How’d It Go?

 

During the past few weeks, Philadelphia Parking Authority staff have been hosting informational community expos throughout Philadelphia’s many neighborhoods. On Monday, November 13th, approximately 30 resident’s attended our event at the Oak Lane Library  —  and between refunds being issued to getting assistance with parking permits, we’re flattered by the feedback we’ve recieved:

 

I attended the PPA meeting and it was very, very helpful. I extended service to an elderly woman who’s having a problem and Ms. O’Connor is going to help her and assist me in helping this elderly woman, without her help I don’t know if that would be possible. This meeting was very helpful and I would stress that everyone in the community please come out to their next meeting. Because it was very helpful and the information was very helpful and you can get assistance here. So please come to the next meeting and I will try to keep notice and make a note to everyone that I can in all the churches and communities. Thank you,

P. Hackney

 

I came to the Parking Authority workshop clinic and I found that with a review of my driving record and my parking history that not only did I not have any outstanding tickets but I was also issued a refund. I will expect it in approximately three weeks. So come on down and get your refund!

F. Williams

 

Our next Community Expo will be held Wednesday, November 15th at the Penrose Recreation Center from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Interested in attending? Here are the informational booths that will be available:

  •   Residential Permit Parking
  •   How to avoid a parking ticket
  •   Red Light Cameras
  •   How to enroll in a payment plan
  •   People with Disabilities Signs
  •   Your status with outstanding parking tickets
  •   Abandoned Vehicles
  •   Unclaimed Vehicle Auctions
  •   Contractor’s Placards
  •   PPA employment opportunities
  •   Loading Zones, Passenger Loading Zones, and Valet Zones

 

Psst — by the way, free pretzels and refreshments will be available!

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PPA Hosting Community Expo at Central Library Monday, November 27

 

In the coming weeks, Philadelphia Parking Authority staff will be hosting a round of Community Expos for residents throughout the City. With light refreshments being served, our staff will be on hand to provide useful information on:

  •   Residential Permit Parking
  •   How to avoid a parking ticket
  •   Red Light Cameras
  •   How to enroll in a payment plan
  •   People with Disabilities Signs
  •   Your status with outstanding parking tickets
  •   Abandoned Vehicles
  •   Unclaimed Vehicle Auctions
  •   Contractor’s Placards
  •   PPA employment opportunities
  •   Loading Zones, Passenger Loading Zones, and Valet Zones

Please see below for the Community Expo locations and times.

Mayfair Recreation Center
2900 Saint Vincent Street, 19149
Thursday, October 19, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM		 South Philadelphia High School
2101 South Broad Street, 19148
Thursday, October 26, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Oasis Church with
Councilwoman Cindy Bass
5248 North 5th Street, 19120
Thursday, November 2, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM		 Oak Lane Library
6614 North 12th Street, 19126
Monday, November 13, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Penrose Recreation Center
1101 West Susquehanna Ave, 19122
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM		 Central Library
1901 Vine Street, 19103
Monday, November 27, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

 

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PPA Board Check Presentation

PPA Employees Contribute $6,458 to the Red Cross Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund

Following the September 27th board meeting, employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) proudly presented a check for $6,458 to the Red Cross Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund.

In presenting the check, Board Chairman, Joseph Ashdale stated, “The hardships being endured from hurricanes across the country, and most recently Puerto Rico, prompted our employees to raise these funds for ongoing relief efforts. With many PPA employees’ families living in the disaster stricken areas, we most certainly want to play our part as recovery efforts continue.”

Clarena Tolson, PPA Executive Director, continued, “It’s hard to fathom what many of these disaster stricken families are going through right now. Our employees felt it was imperative to contribute to the much needed relief efforts.”  

In addition to donations being made through payroll deductions, PPA employees also made contributions at donation jars throughout PPA facilities. Funds collected will directly benefit all areas recently affected by  Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

For information on how to make a donation to the Red Cross Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund, click here.

 

Pictured above (from the left) Russell Wagner, Board Treasurer; Bernadette Williams, PPA Analyst; Executive Director, Clarena Tolson; Leslie Fletcher, American Red Cross; Karen W. Wrigley, Board Secretary; Sue Cornell, Senior Director of Administration; Board Chairman, Joseph Ashdale; William Raymond, Senior Director of Human Resources.

 

Photo Credit: The Philadelphia Public Record

 

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PPA AutoPark Discounts

 

If there is one thing we know, there’s a place for everyone in Philadelphia.

Art lover? There’s the Philadelphia Museum of Art, First Fridays in Old City and the Barnes Foundation. Food Connoisseur? Everywhere. Literally everywhere. No joke. The Gayborhood, Northern Liberties, Fishtown… yada yada yada. And don’t forget about the history buffs. They have Society Hill, the National Constitution Center and so much more.

The list could go on and on and one thing is for sure—there’s always something to do. Philly balances modern times with a historical twist, so it’s hard not to brag.

Here’s What You Need to Know:

With every place you explore, there’s a place to park right around the corner, and with that comes discounts. A double whammy.

Luckily for you, we have frequent discounts right smack dab in the center of your next trip. Check out discounted parking rates below to start your next adventure in the city.

As always, stay connected with us through Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter) with any questions.

Independence AutoPark Discounts

Jefferson AutoPark Discounts

  •  PHLASH Discount Rate Validation
    • Enter after 9 AM & exit by 7 PM: $11.00
  • Early Bird Special
    • Enter by 8 AM & exit by 5 PM – $16.00
  • Evening Rate
    • Enter after 5 PM & exit by 3 AM: $12.00
  • Scooter Parking
    • Flat rate daily: $5.00

Olde City AutoPark Discounts

  • Ritz Theaters Validation
    • Enter after 12 PM on weekdays: $11.00
  • Early Bird Special
    • Enter between 5 AM and 8 AM, exit by 5 PM: $13.00
  •  PHLASH Discount Rate Validation
    • Enter after 9 AM & exit by 7 PM: $11.00
  • Scooter Parking
    • Flat rate daily: $5.00

The Autopark at The Fashion District

  •  Early Bird Special
    • Enter by 8 AM, exit by 5 PM: $16.00
  • Evening Rate — Enter After 5 PM
    • Maximum to 3 PM: $12.00
  • PHLASH Discount Rate Validation
    • Enter after 9 AM & exit by 7 PM: $11.00
  • Scooter Parking
    • Flat rate daily: $5.00
  • Fashion District
    • Up to 3 hours: $12.00

Family Courthouse Garage Discounts

  • Early Bird Special
    • Enter by 8 AM & exit by 5 PM: $21.00
  • Evening Rate
    • Enter after 5 PM & exit by 3 AM: $15.00
  • Weekend
    • Flat rate per day–exit by 6 AM: $18.00

Gateway Parking Garage

  • Early Bird Special
    • Enter by 9 AM & exit by 6 PM: $18.00
  • Evening Rate — Monday-Friday
    • Enter by 5 PM & exit by 9 AM: $12.00
  • Weekend
    • Flat rate per day: $12.00

Parkade on 8th Discounts

  • Early Bird Special
    • Enter by 8 AM & exit by 5 PM – $17.00
  • Evening Rate — Monday-Friday
    • Enter by 5 PM & exit by 9 AM: $12.00
  • PHLASH Discount Rate Validation
    • Enter after 9 AM & exit by 7 PM: $8.00
  • Evening Rate — Monday-Friday
    • Enter by 5 PM & exit by 3 AM: $12.00
  • Fashion District
    • Up to 3 hours: $12.00

Note:

All of the listed validations from participating businesses must obtain a discount chaser ticket from the appropriate business or center to reduce their parking fee.

All patrons using the PHLASH discount must take their PHLASH ticket to our parking management office.

 

 

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PPA Parking Kiosk

What To Do If You Find A Broken Meter or Kiosk

Nothing lasts forever. Everything has a shelf life. Parking kiosks and meters have to be replaced or fixed every once in awhile, too.

Think about it: Based on the high volume of people using parking kiosks every day, these machines are susceptible to requiring repairs every now and then. So in the event that you do discover a broken meter or kiosk, we want you to let us know!

4 Ways to Let Us Know:

  1. Tweet at us: @PhilaParking
  2. Write to us on Facebook
  3. Call us at 1-888-591-3636 or 215-222-9100 and press option # 1. 
  4. Email us at [email protected]

What Do I Do If I Get a Ticket At a Broken Meter?

1.) Contact our Parking Violations Branch

Call 1-888-591-3636 and a customer service representative will assist you.

2.) Mail Correspondence to:

Parking Violations Branch
P.O. Box 41818
Philadelphia, PA 19101

3.) Fill out and submit this online dispute form.

Note: be sure to include parking ticket number and the number displayed on the meter or kiosk

Once you follow these steps, the ticket is put on a temporary suspend, so no late fees are added. The meter information goes to the meter department at the PPA and a meter mechanic is sent to check out the meter.

If the meter is found to be defective, the ticket will be canceled through the PPA and no hearing is needed. You can also use all of the above ways to contact PPA about a broken meter even if you didn’t receive a ticket.

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Rock & Roll Marathon

Where to Park for The Rock And Roll Half Marathon

 

Attention Runners: It’s go time! Get your sneaks on your feet and don’t look back. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon meets The Ben Franklin Parkway again and kicks off fall race season in Philadelphia.

The Lowdown:

On Sat., Sept. 16th at 7:30 a.m., the 5K will start off the two-day race event at Eakins Oval, while the half marathon begins on Sun., Sept. 17th at 7:30 a.m. on the Ben Franklin Parkway and N. 22nd Street.

As runners cross the finish line, they’ll be greeted with some live rock and roll and a complimentary beer at Eakins Oval.

Even though the races are different in size, they’ll both be treated to the same perks. (Psst… If you plan on competing in both races, you’ll earn an additional medal!)

For the complete rundown on this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon & 5K, check out the website here.

Onto Parking:

Since Rock ‘n’ Roll runners will be taking over the streets, you can expect road closures and a shortage of street parking. Luckily, our 19th and Callowhill lot and Gateway Parking Garage are within close walking distance and offer discounted weekend rates. Spots will likely fill up quick, so plan accordingly and check out the rates below.

19TH & CALLOWHILL STREET LOT

1901 Callowhill St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Rates:

  • Weekends – $11.00 (flat rate per day)

GATEWAY PARKING GARAGE

1540 Vine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Rates:

  • Weekends – $7.00 (flat rate per day)

Need further parking guidance? Link up with us on  Facebook or Twitter and we can help get you squared away.

PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PHILADELPHIA HALF MARATHON & 5K

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Parking for Visitors

 

In recent years, Philly has become a national hub for hosting diverse events. Everybody remembers the Papal Visit in 2015, The Democratic National Convention in 2016 and The NFL Draft in 2017.

That’s excluding annual events like Wawa Welcome America’s Fourth of July festival, Jay Z’s Made in America music festival on the Parkway, and The Broad Street Run for the running enthusiast. What can we say? Philly knows how to host big events.

We want to make sure your trip into the city is as seamless as possible. That’s why we offer special parking just for visitors. Get the lowdown on how you can benefit.

Let’s Get To It:

Day passes:

  • Day passes consist of a single booklet of five parking passes for $35.
  • Residents can purchase a maximum of two booklets, and then wait 90 days before buying another.
  • Proof of residence is required.
  • To use the pass, scratch off the month and date on which the pass will be used, and write the visitor’s license plate number in the box provided on the pass. Then, hang the pass on the rearview mirror. You can download the day pass application here: Day Pass Application.

Temporary parking passes:

  • Temporary parking passes can be purchased per visitor vehicle for a maximum of 30 days (or two increments of 15 days).
  • After the 30 days have passed, that visitor vehicle has to wait 45 days before they can get another temporary pass.
  • Temporary parking passes cost $15 for 15 days. To purchase a temporary pass, visit our office at 35 N. Eighth Street.
  • Proof of residence is required.
  • Since temporary parking passes are assigned to license plates, you must provide the license plate number of the visitor’s vehicle.

Note: Day passes are valid for up to a year after purchase.

And that’s how it’s done. If you have any questions, you can call our customer service office at 215-683-9730. We can also field any questions on  X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

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Where To Park for the Made In America Music Festival

If you’ve got 99 problems, don’t let parking be one…

It’s that time again! Philly does Labor Day weekend right with Made in America. On Sept. 2nd and 3rd, the two-day festival hits The Ben Franklin Parkway with superstars like Jay Z, J.Cole, The Chainsmokers, Solange and many more. With big names like this, it’s hard to say no to this festival.

Here’s The Thing:

Getting around during the festival is going to be a little tough. Especially with Jay Z headlining (his new record went platinum in less than a week, after all.) Luckily, we have three parking locations in mind. The Gateway Garage,19th and Callowhill and the Family Courthouse Garage are within close walking distance to the festivities.

 

19TH & CALLOWHILL STREET LOT
1901 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Rates:

  • Weekends – $10.00 (flat rate per day)

 

GATEWAY PARKING GARAGE
1540 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Rates:

Evening rate – enter after 5 p.m., exit by 9 a.m.  – $5.00

Weekend rate – enter after 5 p.m. Friday, exit by 9 a.m. Monday – $7.00

 

THE FAMILY COURTHOUSE GARAGE
1503-11 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Rates:

Evening rate – enter after 5 p.m., exit by 6 a.m.  – $10.00

Weekend rate –flat rate per day, exit by 6 a.m. Monday – $11.00

Having a hassle with parking? Let us help!  Reach out on Twitter and Facebook and we can get you squared away.

CREDIT: M. EDLOW FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA

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PPA’s Widely Popular “meterUP” Pay-by-Phone App to be Back In Action by Late Fall!

After a temporary suspension, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is pleased to announce the return of its hugely popular “meterUP” pay-by-phone parking service.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority board today approved a new vendor for the new mobile parking payment application – which will continue to be called “meterUP.” The new vendor is ParkMobile, LLC. ParkMobile has multiple years experience in this industry and is the vendor to many large cities throughout the United States, including New York City, Denver, Dallas, DC, and Miami.

Executive Director Clarena Tolson said, “After the success of the previous “meterUP” pilot program, the PPA is excited to offer this very popular paying option to the riding public again. The application was highly embraced when offered in the past, so we felt it was imperative that we offer this method of payment as soon as possible.”

The “meterUP” app will allow drivers to pay for parking with a smart phone and electronically add more time remotely. It began in November of 2015 and was temporarily suspended in April when the PPA’s former service provider unexpectedly closed shop due to financial problems, forcing the agency to temporarily suspend the app and issue an immediate RFP (Request for Proposals) for another service provider.

The new vendor has sixty days from the implementation of the contract to roll out the first three phases. The initial three roll-out phases include Center City Core and Fringe, University City and all three rail stations, including Fox Chase, Torresdale and Fern Rock. The PPA anticipates that the app will be available for use by mid to late fall of this year.

When first initiated, “meterUP” was hailed as another PPA technological innovation aimed at improving customer service and convenience for motorists parking in Philadelphia.

In announcing the selection of the new vendor, PPA Executive Director Clarena Tolson said, “We are very pleased “meterUP” will be back in business shortly and we apologize for any inconvenience the temporary suspension may have caused our customers. People can now get back to the convenience of electronically adding more time remotely for parking.”

Customers will be required to download the new “meterUP” application.

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