The City of Quebec has just replaced the parking meter system put in place in 2012, the year when Windows 8 and the iPhone 5 were current. Modernizing the parking solution will have cost taxpayers $3.3 million — including $2.2 million in equipment.
The new parking terminals have been in effect since April 29. Less than a week after their deployment, some of them are already vandalized. At least that’s what The sun noticed on Saint-Joseph Street and Charest Boulevard.
Fewer terminals in Quebec
This new terminal allows users to pay for their parking space with debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless payment. The transaction is made using the license plate number, which offers motorists the possibility of traveling without having to pay again.
This new technology should be functional for the next 10 years, estimates the City of Quebec.
However, there will be fewer terminals in Quebec since payment completed via the Copilote+ mobile application is very popular. The workforce therefore went from 200 to 143 across the entire territory.
Despite the modernization of the parking system, the hourly rate is maintained at $3/hour. But parking is now paid for longer throughout the city, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
— With the collaboration of Émilie Pelletier
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