Mobile Phones Increase User Control
San Francisco is the first of many locations in the United States that allow you to insert money into a meter from your cell phone. The program could end up saving participants hundreds of dollars each year, and charges only .45 cents per fill-up.
Mobile phone users who opt into the program will receive text message alerts before their meters are about to expire. The text message gives them the option to remotely put money into their meters before they expire and the drivers are issued a ticket.
Still in its early stages, the program will begin to unfold in some of San Francisco’s busiest neighborhoods. From there, it will likely expand beyond San Fran’s city limits and into a statewide, and eventually a countrywide program. So what does this mean for smart phone and other cellular phone users? Convenience, fewer tickets and smarter street parking are just a few of the advantages that this program would bring locals.
San Francisco’s transit department is looking forward to the change as well. The city often faces the problem of crowded streets and not enough parking. They hope that, when drivers are more aware of their meter limits, more parking spots will open up.
The changes will soon be implemented all over the country, meaning that smart phone users will be given more control in the palm of their hands.