Pay By Smartphone Parking Meters Coming To Minnesota?

Because I never usually carry cash, I thought it was a huge convenience when technology evolved enough to allow you to pay for parking in the ramps in downtown Rochester with a credit card. Well, now there's something even more convenient that's about to make its debut in Minnesota.

Yes, according to a story in BringMeTheNews.com, Minneapolis is set to install new parking meters that, if you have the proper Parkmobile app installed, can be paid right from your phone. Now while that's handy -- because you always have your phone on you, right? -- it also says in addition to just paying for the meter, you'll even be able to add minutes, as well (as long as you're still under the maximum amount allowed), which would save you a run back to your car just to plug the meter. Which is even handier!

The story says, "According to the Parkmobile website, users will add the zone number listed on the meter to start their session, with the app featuring a countdown service that will provide a notification 15 minutes before the parking session expires. Payments can be made with credit card you provide when signing up to the app, as well as PayPal or Visa Checkout. Alternatively, people can set up a Parkmobile Wallet account and have the money taken from there."

Minneapolis is set to install the new feature on 500 of its 7,500 meters in May of this year. I wonder how long it'll be until these fancy meters make their way here to Rochester?