Winnipeg is set to eliminate all city pay stations for on-street parking and surface lots starting July 2, with full removal expected by August 31. The City announced the change Wednesday, citing the nationwide phase-out of 3G networks and projected savings of $3.6 million in replacement and $1 million in annual operating costs.
Drivers will have to rely on the PayByPhone app or prepaid parking booklets, with no replacement for the meters in place. Private parking operators like Impark and the Millennium Library parkade will retain their pay stations.
The city says PayByPhone already handles over 80% of paid parking transactions. However, business owners like Tyler Rogers say the app is unreliable, resulting in parking tickets. “You need to get a better app,” he said, comparing it unfavorably to booking international travel.
Concerns extend beyond app functionality. Kaiyra Delaronde warned the removal of meters could hurt those without credit cards or smartphones. “It’s just not as convenient as throwing some change into the machine,” she said.
Other residents echoed the sentiment. Alex Hiscott called the move “terrible,” emphasizing the need for physical cues like meters to identify parking zones. Meanwhile, Rogers criticized the city’s decision as a deterrent to downtown traffic in a post-COVID economy already struggling to attract visitors.
The City plans to install signage for PayByPhone at former meter locations and encourages drivers to download the app or purchase booklets at designated locations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
