The City of Chico in California recently introduced electronic parking kiosks in an effort to make parking easier for drivers. The kiosks allow drivers to enter their license plate information and pay for their parking time using debit cards, credit cards, or even coins. The system also allows drivers to extend their parking time remotely using a mobile app.
While the kiosks were intended to be a convenience for drivers, some downtown merchants have expressed their dislike for the new system. Owners or representatives of 39 companies, including Collier Hardware, North Rim Adventure Sports, Grana, and Fleet Feet, have signed a petition against the new kiosks, stating that they have had a significant impact on their patronage and baseline sales since their introduction in February.
The main concern for many of these merchants is that the system may be confusing for older and middle-aged customers. They also note that the kiosks sometimes break down, further adding to the confusion.
City officials have responded to these concerns by printing flyers for businesses to post, publicizing the system through social media and other mediums, and even creating how-to videos for use on social media. They have also proposed the idea of hiring full-time ambassadors for Chico’s business improvement district to assist confused drivers.
Despite these efforts, some merchants remain unhappy with the system. Greg Scott, the chairman of the Downtown Chico Business Association, believes that the system should be simpler and that the introduction of the kiosks was poorly thought-out. However, he is working to hold meetings with management to consider the issue and hear their views.
Despite the controversy surrounding the new parking kiosks, the city is relying on them to generate significant revenue from parking fees.