Editing Philadelphia Parking Authority (section)

== Paying for Parking ==

=== Meter Rates ===

Parking meter rates vary by location and are posted on each meter or kiosk. Typical rates range from '''$1.50 to $4.00 per hour''' in most areas, with higher rates in high-demand locations like Center City.<ref name="philapark-meters">{{cite web |url=https://philapark.org/meters/ |title=Parking Meters |publisher=Philadelphia Parking Authority |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

'''Rate Structure:'''
* Rates are posted at each meter/kiosk
* If you park past the posted time limit, the rate doubles
* If you exceed the time limit a second time, the rate triples
* Example: At $1.50/hour with a 4-hour limit, staying beyond 4 hours costs $3.00/hour

=== Time Limits ===

Time limits vary by location and are posted on each meter or kiosk:

* '''30 minutes to 1 hour''' - Loading zones and high-turnover areas
* '''2 hours''' - Common in commercial areas
* '''4 hours''' - Some locations
* '''10 hours''' - Available in certain areas

The meterUP app and kiosks allow you to extend parking time (at increased rates) if you exceed posted limits.

=== Payment Methods ===

'''Yes''', you can pay for parking with a credit card through several methods:

'''meterUP App''' (Recommended)
* Download the app (iOS/Android)
* Pay by credit/debit card, mobile wallet
* Start, extend, and end sessions from your phone
* 45-cent convenience fee per transaction

'''Pay-by-Plate Kiosks'''
* Located throughout Center City and other areas
* Accept credit/debit cards and coins
* Enter your license plate number
* Ticket prints for your dashboard (optional)

'''Traditional Meters'''
* Some accept credit cards; many are coin-only
* Being phased out in favor of kiosks

=== meterUP App ===

'''meterUP''' is the PPA's official mobile parking app, allowing users to pay for street parking without using coins or visiting a kiosk. The app is the most convenient way to pay for parking in Philadelphia.<ref name="meterup">{{cite web |url=https://philapark.org/meterup-faqs/ |title=meterUP FAQs |publisher=Philadelphia Parking Authority |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

'''Features:'''
* Start parking sessions from your phone
* Extend time without returning to your car
* Receive notifications before time expires
* View parking history
* Available for iOS and Android

'''Fees:'''
* '''45-cent convenience fee''' per transaction (starting or extending)
* Accepted payment methods: credit/debit cards, Parkmobile Wallet, Visa Checkout, MasterPass

'''How to Use:'''
1. Download the app and create an account
2. Add a payment method
3. When parked, open the app and enter your zone number (posted on meters/signs)
4. Start your session
5. Extend as needed before time expires

=== Pay-by-Plate Kiosks ===

Pay-by-plate kiosks are modern parking payment stations located throughout Philadelphia:

'''How to Pay:'''
1. Note the kiosk zone number
2. Enter your vehicle's license plate number
3. Select your parking duration
4. Pay by credit/debit card or coins
5. A receipt prints (optional—enforcement is by license plate)

'''Key Points:'''
* No need to display a receipt on your dashboard (enforcement is electronic)
* You can add time at any kiosk in the same zone
* Kiosks accept credit cards, debit cards, and coins