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Earlier this year, Bronxville officials formally rolled out the technologically-friendly, pay-by-phone parking model for the 1,000 coin-operated meters in the village after months of deliberation, much to the delight of local shoppers and business owners.
In October last year, village officials announced that, following a yearlong review of parking and infrastructure in Bronxville they were moving forward with the pay-by-phone parking initiative in an effort to encourage more space turnover and to increase local retail business.
As the transition from the coin-operated meters toward the pay-by-phone model continues, the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce has advised locals to contact one of their neighbors if they need assistance with the system.
In a notice on their website, the Chamber pointed potential problems to local businessman Gerry McLoughlin.
“Having difficulty with the new Pango parking app on your phone? If so, call on Gerry McLoughlin for free in-person assistance in the Bronxville area,” they noted. “Gerry also provides computer, networking and technology assistance in your home or business. (Contact him at) 914-337-7084 or GM@GerryMcL.com.
According to Mayor Mary Marvin, local officials sought to “make meters more understandable, customer friendly and technologically advanced, (while) adding a level of uniformity and consistency to the entire parking matrix.”
“In essence, the Pango service is a downloaded app that allows parkers to pay for their meter charge by phone,” she said. “It alleviates the need for a pocketful of coins and allows one to add time remotely if running late up to the allotted hour limit on the meter.”
The Pango service is free to use and download, though there is a 25-cent service charge per transaction. The pay-by-phone option will not replace traditional meters; it will simply serve as another option for those visiting the village. Since fully implementing the program, village officials estimate that more than 500 transactions have been made.
With pay-by-phone meters now fully implemented, village officials are in the process of scheduling additional instructional forums for parties interested in learning more about the process and Pango.
Marvin noted that these measures were necessary because, “due to the increase in staffing throughout village businesses and institutions, as well as the increase in service-oriented businesses versus the traditional soft-goods stores, parking is at an all-time premium in the village.”
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