Paying for parking in Saskatoon is now as simple as using a smartphone.
The city introduced the new WayToPark app Wednesday to help drivers pay for parking directly through their phone with a credit card.
Andrew Hildebrandt, the city’s director of community standards, said the app provides more flexibility when it comes to paying for parking.
“People don't like to pay for parking, we understand that, but paid parking is very important to ensure regulation of parking in the downtown area for businesses to have proper turnover and for customers to actually be able to find spots,” he said.
“So because we need it, we're trying to provide it in the most flexible way we can."
Users are able to save multiple licence plate numbers on the app, print or view receipts, and view current parking sessions.
Hildebrandt said people will be able to extend their parking through their phone if needed, up to a maximum of three hours.
The city installed new parking meters — FlexParking — in 2015. As part of the process, a smartphone payment method was touted to the public. The wait for the app was because the system was rolled out in phases, the city said.
The WayToPark app, which is free to download, works at FlexParking pay stations located at all City of Saskatoon pay parking locations throughout the downtown, Broadway, Riversdale, River Landing and Sutherland areas.
The city said drivers will still be able to pay for parking using coins, credit cards and city parking cards at FlexParking stations.
