Parking Meter Tips in Downtown Louisville, Kentucky
No change? No
problem.
problem.
Did you know that our great city offers options for parkingmeters that allow you to be coin-free AND be refunded for time not used?
Parking Authority of River City (PARC) has two types of these hassle-free
meters: The PARCSmartCard and the new IPS coin and card meter. Here’s all you
need to know about both:
PARCSmartCard
The PARCSmartCard is the same size as a credit card and has
a small data chip on one side. You can buy these cards
at different locations that are mainly downtown with the exception at UofL’s
Parking Office, conveniently across from the Don Fightmaster playground. I was
updated by PARC that these cards will be eliminated in two years, but until
then they are still accepted at many meters. After these cards are eliminated,
you will be able to get a refund for any unused amount at their main office. To
use:
a small data chip on one side. You can buy these cards
at different locations that are mainly downtown with the exception at UofL’s
Parking Office, conveniently across from the Don Fightmaster playground. I was
updated by PARC that these cards will be eliminated in two years, but until
then they are still accepted at many meters. After these cards are eliminated,
you will be able to get a refund for any unused amount at their main office. To
use:
- Insert the card
into the diagonal slot on the meter with the PARC logo facing up. - The screen will
flash briefly and display your balance. Next, the time begins to increase
on the meter in 15 minute increments. Let the machine go for the desired
amount of time and then pull out your card. - When you get
back to your meter, if you still have time running, put the card back into
the slot. The screen will flash until your balance is shown. This will
credit your PARCSmartCard with the remainder of your unused time.
IPS Coin & Card Meters
You may have seen a few of these fancy new meters around
town. These are the meters that will be the replacement for all other meters in
the next two years. They are solar powered, accept all four major credit cards
or coins and also offer the refund option for time not used on credit cards.
The PARCSmartCard is NOT accepted at these meters. To use:
town. These are the meters that will be the replacement for all other meters in
the next two years. They are solar powered, accept all four major credit cards
or coins and also offer the refund option for time not used on credit cards.
The PARCSmartCard is NOT accepted at these meters. To use:
- Insert and then
remove your card. - Push the blue
(+) or (-) buttons to choose your desired amount of money. - Press the green
(OK) button or the red (CANCEL) button to confirm. - Your card will
be authorized. - You will see a
confirmation of payment on the screen. - To get money
refunded onto your card, put the same credit card back into the machine.
Please note that if you use coins at these meters no money is available
for refund.
Rates
Parking meter rates range from
$1.00/hr. to $1.25/hr., and are limited from 1 hour to 4 hours of parking.
$1.00/hr. to $1.25/hr., and are limited from 1 hour to 4 hours of parking.
Hours
Parking meter hours are Monday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. This means free parking after 6:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday and free all day Sunday!
6:00 p.m. This means free parking after 6:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday and free all day Sunday!
By guest contributor: Jennifer
