COLUMBUS, Ohio – Another 1,800 coin-operated parking meters will be replaced by new “smart” meters today as the city continues its fleet, a task that is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
The coin-only meters are being replaced by meters which can take credit cards, debit cards and coins, in the area around the Columbus College of Art and Design and Columbus State Community College and in parts of the Hilltop, assistant public service director Rick Tilton said.
The conversion of the city’s fleet of approximately 4,800 meters began in January 2011.
The Department of Public Service will also start to upgrade existing smart meters with a more advanced model, which features a screen that is 20 percent larger than those currently in use, making them easier to read, Tilton said.
Tilton says about 900 of the more advanced models will be installed in areas with the highest meter usage, including the Arena District, the North Market and Short North.
The city will continue to install the advanced model smart meters next year, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2014, Tilton says.
The smart meters are powered by solar-rechargeable batteries and — in addition to debit and credit cards and coins — will also accept pre-paid parking cards.
Motorists can buy rechargeable cards that carry a maximum balance of $50 or non-rechargeable cards available in denominations of $25, $50 and $100, which can be discarded after the entire balance is used, Tilton said.
Drivers can reload the rechargeable card, up to $50, at the Parking Violations Bureau, 2700 Impound Lot Road.
Pre-paid cards are sold at 50 W. Gay Street, on the first floor, and at the Parking Violations Bureau.