Austin Expans New Pay-by-Phone Parking App

Following a successful pilot program, the Austin Transportation Department expanded its new pay-by-phone parking service to the entire city today.

ParkX, a smartphone application that allows users to pay for parking remotely from their devices, can now be used at all City-owned, on-street, metered parking spaces in Austin. The service is also available to those who don’t use smartphones.

The City piloted the pay-by-phone service in March and April in West Campus and received positive results from users.

“We’re excited to make parking easier all over Austin,” said Steve Grassfield, Parking Enterprise Manager for the City. “Now, you can pay to park with just a few clicks and you don’t have to worry about parking meters, stickers, coins or cash.”

ParkX users also receive text alerts when their time is about to expire so that they can either move their vehicles or add more time until they reach the posted parking time limit. ParkX also sends regular parking expense reports to users that can come in handy for business and tax purposes.

To pay for parking using their smartphones, Android and Apple users can download the free ParkX app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once registered with their license plate and payment information, users simply enter their parking zone number – starting with the letters “AUS” – and select their desired parking time.

Those without smartphones can use ParkX by calling or texting “Park” to 512-838-3874 and following the prompts. Anyone with technical questions about using the service can dial the same number for support services or call 3-1-1 for assistance.

Parking zone information is currently posted on the front of pay stations and will soon be displayed on large signs nearby to increase visibility. ParkX adds a 25 cent convenience fee to each transaction.

As part of a limited time promotion, new users can enter the promo code “AUSTIN” within the “wallet” section of the ParkX app to receive their first hour of parking free.