Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n13)
Random Rippling - New parking meters
posted: Jun. 30, 2006
State of the art parking meters have been installed on both sides of Broad Ripple Avenue between Winthrop and Guilford. They offer more ways to pay and reduce the "clutter" on the sidewalk. One electronic model replaces four old-style meters. See the description on below.
The meter in front of Mezzaluna.
City's Parking Meter Pilot Program
Kumar Menon, director of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, announced the launch of the city's parking meter pilot program that began on June 26 and will last for a period of 90 days.
Many cities, including Seattle, Houston, Chicago, New York City, Portland and Baltimore are moving away from traditional, single-space coin operated meters to multi-space meters. Multi-space meters are new, ATM-style parking meters that accept coins, including Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea dollars, and credit cards - Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
"This new technology will offer motorists an efficient and enhanced payment method every time they park their car," said Menon.
The Pay by Space meter system has been installed on Broad Ripple Ave. between Guilford Ave. and Westfield Blvd. This meter is provided by Reino International. This system is similar to the existing parking process with defined spaces. Each parking space is numbered and that number is entered into the centrally located meter that manages 6-10 parking spaces. Time remaining and violation information is found at the meter site.
"This new equipment will provide better customer service by offering more convenient payment options as well as reduce visual clutter on our busy sidewalks," said Tamara Zahn, president of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. "Customer feedback will be very helpful during the test period." The new parking meters will also improve aesthetics and promote universal accessibility.
DPW created a website, www.IndyGov.org/ParkingMeter, to help educate the community on the pilot program. The website also contains an online survey to help determine which meter best meets the needs of the citizens of Indianapolis. The survey is universally accessible and can be viewed with screenreaders for those with visual disabilities.
Following the trial period and the evaluation of user preferences, a recommendation will be made. If a new meter is chosen, it will be phased in over several years and placed first in the areas with the greatest demand for customer parking and highest parking turnover.