Hundreds of solar-powered smart meters are scheduled for installation along two of the busiest corridors in downtown St. Petersburg - Beach Drive and Central Avenue.
The upgrade should happen during the first part of July.
- 400 smart meters will be added to downtown St. Pete
- Beach Drive and Central Avenue meters are getting the update
- New tech allows for credit card and app payment
The meters will replace all existing coin operated meters on the two roadways. City officials say they chose the 'intuitive' single-space credit card meters over multi-space meters for its 'on-street applications.' The upgrade can be installed into the city's existing infrastructure, and officials say no new signs need to be installed.
The smart meters provide customers the option to park and swipe a credit card, in addition to the current methods of paying with coins, or use their ParkMobile app.
These smart meters should communicate information through wireless capabilities, which will provide the city with new ways to generate reports and analyze usage information.
Another major advantage, the city says, is that customers will not be required to remember a space number or return to their vehicle to place a receipt on their dash board.
The city partnered with IPS Group on the smart meters project to make the upgrade a reality.