Smart Cards Are the Tool; But the Payment System Needs a Bit More

This article advocates the use of a smart card system for parking that uses a payment system where cards are distributed by local merchants. Such a system has been implemented in New Haven, Connecticut where there are, after six months, 5,000 active cards with 10,000 active cards expected in the near future and fifty percent of all metered transactions occurring via card. The cards are successful for a number of reasons, listed here. The first is the market appeal of the cards, which are designed to promote local loyalty. Secondly the article lists the ease with which such cards can be used as they are easily loaded with value using cash, credit card, or debit card. Lastly, the card is appealing as it mimics the way in which credit and debit cards are used, without the reservations that are often associated with the use of such cards for small transactions. The article also describes various promotions for these cards.