Minneapolis Parking App Now Available To Everyone

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Drivers in all of Minneapolis can now plug the meter with a smartphone app. Until now, the system was only available on a limited basis for testing.

The app, called Parkmobile, makes it so you can feed the meter without going outside to one of the pay stations.

"For people who drive for work, the app has reporting functions as well, so you can keep track of parking expenses," said Mark Read, assistant parking manager with the city of Minneapolis. "And if you can't remember where you parked your car, it will tell you where it is."

The convenience does cost a bit more. There's a 25-cent fee each time you use the app, but if you buy a 99-cent monthly subscription, the fee is 15-cents per use.

In addition to streamlining the payment process, the app will notify you when there are 15 minutes left on your meter. You can add time while you're inside a restaurant or at work.

The mobile payment app costs nothing to download on iTunes or in the Google Play Store.

The city says there is no cost to taxpayers for this new technology. That cost is covered by the fees.

Note, you do not have to use the app to park in Minneapolis. Drivers can always choose to pay at the meter with a credit card or coins. And you do still have to follow time limitations for parking spots.

Minneapolis started working on this smart parking system two years ago.