Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A.'s New High-Tech 'Coin & Card' Parking Meters Debut
Los Angeles has thousands of broken meters, frustrating confused drivers and concerned city budget officials. “Instead of carrying a bagful of quarters to feed the meter, drivers will now be able to pay quickly and conveniently with a credit card," explained Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa this morning as he unveiled "coin and card" parking meters in Los Feliz, where 200 meters were installed.
The new meters, purchased from the San Diego-based IPS Group, Inc., will accept coins and debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover). As part of a pilot project that began 18 months ago, 500 were installed in the Little Tokyo and downtown neighborhoods yielding revenues that were up 40% on average.
Today's announcement meant 10,000 more will be installed throughout the city, generating an estimated $1 to $1.5 million annually in net meter revenue. In all, the city has around 40,000 meters.
"A modern city needs modern technology," said Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who represents the Los Feliz area -- a significant gesture because broken parking meter confusion landed one of his staff a ticket. "These smart meters will allow people
to park with greater ease and pay with a swipe of the card.
Support for LAist comes from
The meters come with wireless technology that enables them to notify repairmen when they break or are vandalized. Additionally, they will operate on a solar battery.
While city policy is to not cite vehicles at "failed" meters they are new meters, encountering them won't happen as often. "Since these meters are super reliable and citizens should not be encountering the old "failed" meter reading that the 17-year-old meters can display, we are advising people to either pay with a coin, or with a credit/debit card to avoid a parking citation," said Bruce Gillman, a Department of Transportation Public Information Officer.
All 10,000 meters should be installed by July 1st.
Previously: Villaraigosa Wants All Parking Meters to be Credit Card Friendly
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist