"Smart" Parking Meters Make Their Debut Friday, November 20, 2009 | 36.0° A Few Clouds    Parking To Become Smarter in Denver! “Smart meters” – parking meters that accept credit cards, debit cards and coins- being tested in Denver.   Your feedback is needed! Denver Public Works Right Of Way Enforcement (ROWE) is piloting new “smart” parking meters in the Downtown area in an effort to explore ways to make parking more convenient. The new meters are solar powered, wireless and accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar coins. Installation of the meters is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 10th, and the meters should be in operation on Wednesday, November 12th. The smart meter pilot will last about six months. After the pilot period is complete, the smart meters will be evaluated based on common-sense factors including ease of use, efficiency, durability and reliability. Essential to the pilot is receiving feedback about the smart meters from the drivers using them. Tell us about your smart meter experience by taking a quick survey online at www.DenverMeter.com or receive a hard-copy of the survey by calling 311. This is your chance to be part of the future of parking in Denver! Input received from the survey will provide clear information about the public’s real life experience with the smart meters, which is fundamental when considering implementing a new parking option on a City-wide basis. The smart meters also communicate with the Public Works ROWE meter technicians by sending alerts when a meter is jammed, near coin capacity or has a low battery, creating a more nimble and effective department. “Denver Public Works is pleased to be able to provide this new service for our visitors who come downtown”, said Public Works Manager Bill Vidal. “We think Denver residents and visitors will enjoy the convenience of the multi-pay option meters and find their experience downtown a more pleasant one.” The smart meters have a digital display screen, which allows ROWE to change the message according to the circumstances. For instance, the display may read “No Parking – Street Sweeping,” saving drivers a citation. On Sundays and holidays when parking is free, the display may read “Free Parking Today” and the smart meter will reject payment. During the pilot, the meters will be installed on ten blocks in the downtown area. The meters will only be installed on one side of the street to allow drivers to choose if they would like to pay at the smart meters or at the traditional coin only meters. Also, available by request is a list of where the meters will be installed, a map of the locations and a picture of the smart meter. Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 Posted by    Return

More News Denver Update:  Weekly News Summary Grant to Increase Community's Energy Efficiency  Denver Agencies Recognized for Sustainablity Denver 2010 Census Aims at Complete Count Arts Jobs Aided by Stimulus Funds

Announcements DENVER 2 for 1 TIX A free program that provides weekly 2 for 1 ticket and admission discounts for metro Denver arts and entertainment. It means great savings for you on last-minute tickets to music, theater, museums and much more. LEAP Program Helps with Heating Need help with your heating bills? LEAP could help. LEAP in Denver is designed to pay a portion of your heat bill, one-time during the winter season and also provides emergency assistance with shut-off notices. Building a "Better Denver" The Better Denver Program is a comprehensive effort to invest in the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of city facilities as well as new construction. Residents can follow progress on neighborhood bond projects at the Better Denver website How the Federal Economic Stimulus Will Help Denver The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides the city a great opportunity.  Denver will receive stimulus dollars for critical city projects and programs and report what's received and how it's being spent! View online updates. More Announcements      1