Drivers shopping in downtown Columbia this holiday season are being encouraged to use the new mobile parking app instead of using change.
The city of Columbia and the Parkmobile app are releasing a promotion code for drivers to use for parking in downtown Columbia.
The one-time code “gift16” gives drivers one hour of free parking while waiving the 45 cents transaction fee. The code will be valid from Nov. 5 through Jan. 1, 2017.
City officials say they are hoping to encourage Columbia residents to use the Parkmobile app, instead of using change.
“Now is a great time to promote it, because it’s downtown and its shopping season. So, as people naturally come downtown to shop, the parkmobile app provides them another option,” said Barry Dalton, the Public Information Officer for Columbia Public Works.
The city of Columbia has been working with the Parkmobile app since July. Dalton said that use of the app has doubled every month since, and tripled in October.
“If the promotion of Parkmobile helps increase the number of people coming to town and parking, that would be a great benefit," Dalton said.
The app has two advantages compared to traditional paying options. It allows drivers to pay through their smartphones, without needing to return to feed the meter. It also connects directly to a credit or debit card.
