CHICAGO — Chicago residents were apparently very eager to try out the new pay-by-phone parking app, ParkChicago.
In its first 36 hours, the app had already been downloaded 3,500 times, and nearly 1,000 people went on to sign up for the new pay-by-phone parking program, which debuted Tuesday in a small portion of the West Loop as part of a pilot program, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a press release Wednesday.
“Drivers in the City of Chicago are already taking advantage of the convenience the new pay-by-cell plan offers,” Emanuel said.
Emanuel praised the technology that not only makes paying for parking easier, but also issues a reminder 10 minutes before users' time expires, allowing them to add more time or move their cars.
“Without having to use cash, debit, or credit cards, residents and visitors can save valuable time by using this smartphone application and not having to return to the pay box," he said.
The pilot program, which has no specific timetable but will likely go on for a few weeks before expanding, covers just 279 parking spaces in an area bordered by Racine Avenue and Halsted, Madison and Monroe streets.
It was designed to gauge the feedback from motorists before the app is rolled out to the rest of the city, officials have said.
Android and iPhone users can download the app from the App Store or from Google Play. Drivers without smartphones can also create an account by clicking here.
