The fully accessible mobile phone parking payment system

Overview

mParking (sms&park) is one of the world’s longest established and most successful mobile phone parking payment systems introduced in 2001. Since its start, mParking (sms&park) has been introduced to 45 cities in 4 countries taking over 75% market share and offering real cost savings for parking operators as well as real benefits for drivers.

The system has been developed with the emphasis on ease of use and user friendliness which means that this service can be used in ANY mParking zone by ANY driver to park ANY car with ANY mobile phone with no need to pre-register in ANY way.

Main Features

NO REGISTRATION - any mobile phone can be used, the user does not have to pre-register

NO SPECIAL ACCOUNT NEEDED – payment is made from the mobile phone account (prepaid / postpaid)

EASE OF USE – the users simply text their vehicle registration to the mParking number shown at the parking place

TEXT RECEIPT – the mParking centre sends the user an SMS receipt with a unique serial number as the proof of payment

REMINDER – the mParking system automatically sends the user an SMS reminder (FOC) a few minutes before their parking expires with the option to pay for more time where allowed

NO SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED – payment is made with a standard mobile phone

NO CHANGES TO EXISTING EQUIPMENT – the system is totally independent of existing parking equipment and requires no special equipment or infrastructure. mParking can even be used where there is no pre-existing parking payment system.

The win – win situation

• For the parking operator mParking represents the ultimate technology in providing mobile payment service
• Apart from explanatory signs there are no capital costs since mParking is completely independent of existing systems
• mParking can be configured to meet each operator’s exact needs with charges by the hour, part of the day, the whole day or longer

Parking operator benefits

• Increased income – easier payment system increases revenue
• Low capital cost – the only new infrastructure are signs or/and stickers on the P&D machine
• Secure Money – payment is collected by the mobile phone operator and returned directly to the parking operator
• Reduced cash leakage – the system is totally cash free
• Low operating costs – parking operator pays a service charge, which is lower than current cash handling cost, to mParking and to the mobile phone operating company
• Reduced consumables – less wear and tear and less P&D tickets
• Improved customer service – increased payment options and reminder reduces chance of accidental over-staying
• Simple enforcement – on-line check and real time ticketing
• Complete control over parking process
• Flexible business model configuration
• Comprehensive overview of the system performance

Driver’s benefits

• Convenient payment model:
  • No need for change
  • Remote parking payment
  • No need to come back to extend parking permit
  • Expiry reminder
• Proof of purchase
• Easier payment
• Transparent billing
• Increased security, as no ticket is displayed with the return time clearly visible