Chicago to Test New Parking Meter App

Program will begin in Chicago's downtown area this spring

Parking in Chicago will soon become a little less of a headache.

City officials said they'll launch a pilot program this spring in the downtown area where motorists can pay for parking via a mobile application.

Drivers will enter a meter number and how much time they anticipate to park into their smartphone, saving them the hassle of walking to a meter box and returning with a white printed receipt.

The technology will also mean motorists can renew their parking without returning to the fare box or their vehicle.

The program is part of the City Hall’s renegotiated parking contract with Chicago Parking Meters, LLC. Mayor Rahm Emanuel last week said the new contract saved motorists and the city about $2.1 million in the last half of 2013.

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