By Carol P. Bartold

Nov. 18, 2015:  Although motorists are faced with a parking system comprising many different parking-space turnover rules and parking rates, Bronxville Deputy Treasurer Peggy Conway assures them that the upcoming Pango parking payment system will offer a viable option to people who would rather not carry quarters for parking meters.

The smartphone app, Pango website, and 1-877-MyPango telephone number will offer a convenient, automated option to pay for parking in the village.

The automated system will be rolled out village-wide rather than in a narrow test area. However, according to Pango USA president Neil Edwards, police officers and village government officials will participate in a beta test before the system goes "live."

"I have heard nothing but great things from Pango customers," Conway said. "We contracted with them because they have a good reputation with other municipalities and customers." Conway also stated that most people she has spoken to are looking forward to the system's being up and functional as soon as possible.

Customers who opt to use Pango to pay for parking can avoid having any interaction at all with the mechanical coin meters, which will remain functional and in place for people who want to pay by coin. "Pango can stand alone or work with whatever we have on the street," Conway noted, "so that's a good thing."

Pango requires no fees other than the $0.25 convenience fee per transaction to pay for parking or extending meter time using the app. Customers can receive free alerts via the app to notify them how much paid time remains on their parking space. According to Edwards, customers can customize text alerts for a $1.99 monthly fee. He emphasized that this customization is purely optional and not required in order to use the Pango app.

"What Pango brings to the table is convenience for parking customers and an inexpensive option for the village rather than a capital expenditure," Conway said.

Edwards stated that the company will have a street team in the village for the first two to three weeks of Pango's rollout to work with motorists and local businesses to become acclimated to the system.

"Quite honestly," Edwards said, "when people see the app, and when it's inconvenient to carry quarters around, people will use it."
 
Photo by A. Warner