ParkPlus System Keeping Calgarians Out of the Cold…

ParkPlus: Park and Pay Using Your Cell Phone (in Calgary)

Did you know that you can pay for parking with your cellphone using the Calgary Parking Authority's "ParkPlus" system?

This intuitive service allows people with a ParkPlus account to simply call a telephone number, enter the four-digit zone that they are in and be covered without having to go to the machine.

This service is especially convenient during winter, when the last thing that we all feel like doing is walking across the street to the machine to pay and check-in.

Some Background + Important Facts

Developed by Calgary Parking authority to replace parking meters, the ParkPlus program has now been around for several years. It has been such a success that the Calgary Parking Authority is looking at selling the system to other municipalities.

Its pretty simple:

#1 - Park

#2 - Look for the zone number where you parked. It is found on signs along the street

#3 - Pay at a machine with coins / credit card OR pay by using your cell phone (more details below)

#4 - Walk away and go about your business... it's that easy!

How does the Calgary Parking Authority know if you've paid or not? Notice those white car's and SUV's with green decals and camera's all over them?... these cameras record your license plate and cross reference with the payment system to check.

A few important things to remember:

#1 - You have 10 minutes from when the camera car drives by to pay before you get a ticket.#2 - If you pull over to take a call, make sure it is a loading zone because if the drive by you then you will have to pay for parking to avoid a ticket. If you don't see them or don't pay, you will get a ticket.

Payment Options

Now let's talk about the cell phone payment option. If you go to www.CalgaryParking.com you can create an account then register license plates to specific cell phone numbers. You can also register multiple plates to multiple numbers if you share or have more than one car.

Next, you deposit money into your parking account with your credit card. $25 is the minimum. Now, when you park, simply call the ParkPlus # (403-537-7275). To make it even easier, I have it programmed into my speed dial under "P", then press 1 then enter the parking zone number, then press 1 to confirm and that's it.

Your cell phone number and associated license plates are recognized and your parking is paid for. When you leave call back, press 1 again and your session is ended. You only pay for exactly what you use.

See more frequently asked questions about ParkPlus here - ParkPlus FAQ