LTC 01-2003 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No.
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~ ;v~r
City Manager ~
PARKING CENTRAL PAY STATIONS - 90 DAY TEST PERIOD
Date: January 2, 2003
The Parking Sub-Committee of the MBRTF (Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force) on Tourism
provided various recommendations for the betterment of transportation and parking within
the City. Ada Llerandi and Robert Todak co-chaired the Parking Sub-Committee and a
number of recommendations have already been implemented. The above captioned
subject is another one of the many recommendations embraced by the sub-committee, full
committee and subsequently by the TPC (Transportation and Parking Committee).
The City of Miami Beach Parking Department will begin testing a new payment system for
parking. The new "Pay and Display" Central Pay Stations will be installed for 90 days
beginning in January 2003 on Ocean Drive between 7th and 10th Streets and at Municipal
Parking Lot 5M, located on the 1700 block of Meridian Avenue (behind the 777-17th
Street Building).
The City expects the new system will reduce maintenance costs and improve street
aesthetics, and provide an audit report per collection; moreover, the major advantage of
this technology is that it will allow for multiple payment options. The system will accept bills
and credit cards, in addition to coins. The increased methods of payment are expected to
enhance customer convenience by alleviating the need for coins. Providing additional
payment options will likely reduce the chances of receiving a parking citation. This was a
major factor in the Parking Sub-Committee and TPC's endorsement of the "pay and
display" central pay station test. Unfortunately, during the testing period, the smart card
will not be accepted but if the City decides to proceed, it will be a requirement of an
investment in permanent central pay stations.
During the testing period, existing meters will be removed and signage will be installed
throughout the areas to provide notification of where parking payment is to be made. Signs
will read, "please pay parking at pay station" with directional arrows. The pay station will
provide instructions on how to apply proper payment.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to contact
me.
Electronic Copy: Management Team
JMG\~'SF
F:/ping/saul/cmo/centralpaystationtest. ltc.doc