Vice-mayor Suja Lowenthal fields questions from reporters after illustrating how to pay for parking using one of eight new high-tech, solar-powered parking meters downtown that allow motorists to pay by phone via a smartphone application. Photo by Daniel DeBoom.
 
1:34pm | Several new, high-tech, solar-powered parking meters that allow motorists to pay for parking via a smartphone application have been installed in downtown Long Beach as part of a pilot program to test the new technology, city officials said.

The eight new multi-space meters installed on Third Street and Broadway between Pacific Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard were launched Monday and cover 36 parking spaces using pay-by-space methodology, which requires motorists to enter their parking stall numbers into the meter machine when paying the parking fee, according to information provided by City Hall.

Vehicle sensors in each parking stall will also provide real-time occupancy reports, which is expected to boost boost the efficiency of the city’s parking operations and providing statistical information on parking usage, city officials said.
 
Probably the most unique feature of these new meters, however, is that they allow motorists to make meter payments via a smartphone application. The mobile phone application can be downloaded for free for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices by visiting Parkmobile.com.

In addition to making payments through the Parkmobile application, the meters also accept coin and credit/debit card payments.
 
According to City Hall, the pilot program is part of an “ongoing effort to enhance the experience of visitors and residents parking downtown.”

“This pilot program shows that Long Beach is taking advantage of the latest technology to assist our residents and visitors,” Mayor Bob Foster said in a prepared statement. “Not only will it conveniently allow people to pay by cell phone, but the system will e-mail or text reminders when time is about to expire, providing customers the option of adding more time without having to return to the meter — all through their mobile phone.”

The city has partnered with Downtown Long Beach Associates, whose Downtown Guides will provide information on and show the public how to use the meters from a cell phone, city officials said.

“I am a big proponent of multi-space meters because they’re a customer-friendly way of managing parking in our downtown while improving the pedestrian experience on our sidewalks,” said Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, who is also the city’s Second District councilwoman. “They are a natural extension of our efforts to make our Downtown more livable for residents and conducive to businesses.”