PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION TO UNVEIL FASTER, EASIER PARKING AT MBTA LOTS IN JULY

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Monday, June 28, 2010 - As part of Governor Deval Patrick's transportation reform agenda to strengthen customer service, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today announced a simpler system for parking lot payments that will allow everyone from daily commuters to visitors to use their mobile phones and an online account to pay for parking at MBTA lots.

"Our focus has been and will continue to be on the traveling public," said Governor Patrick. "This new parking service is just one of the ways we are making the commuting experience more convenient."

"Improving customer service is a key element of our administration's transportation reform," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "We expect this new innovative system to offer an easier, customer friendly option for the many residents who utilize our public transportation system."

Beginning July 23rd, customers parking in MBTA-owned and operated lots with existing cash honor boxes will be able to pay for parking online or via phone while in their cars or once they board a train, bus, or commuter boat. As part of a new partnership with Parkmobile USA, customers can visit MBTA.parkmobile.com, and enroll in the new program for free, and have access to their on-line accounts 24 hours a day/7 days a week. T riders can also download a mobile app.

Once registered, customers can use the mobile app, the internet, a text message or a phone call to pay for parking. TTY service is also available. The phone number will be displayed on signs at MBTA parking facilities.

"As a demonstration of our commitment to building a more open and customer-focused transportation system, we are addressing one of our customers' most frequent complaints," said Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. "We will continue to look for more improvements as we implement transportation reform."

"For a long time now, I've been hearing frustrated customers complain about having to cram dollar bills into a small slot to pay for parking," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. "I'm very pleased that we're now able to provide our customers with a quick and easy method for making their payment."

Initially, the new service will be available for 23,733 parking spaces at nearly 70 MBTA-owned lots with existing cash honor boxes. In the weeks and months to follow, the T will work to expand the new system to lots that are not operated by the MBTA. Only two U.S. transit systems offer more parking spaces than the MBTA. "As the T's largest source of non-fare revenue, parking fees are used to help us fund critical maintenance activity throughout the system," said General Manager Davey.

"Pay by phone offers customers a new and better way to pay for parking. Parkmobile users have 24/7 access to their on-line account; they can print reports and easily track their parking expenses. It's much faster and more convenient," said Albert Bogaard, CEO of Parkmobile USA.

Informational signs will be posted over the next few weeks to inform T customers about the change in service.

For more information on MBTA Park and Pay by phone visit: MBTA's parking page.

MassDOT is the new, unified transportation organization created in 2009 under the historic reform legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Patrick. MassDOT's four divisions are focused on delivering safe and efficient transportation services across the Commonwealth For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

Parkmobile is a leading global provider of seamlessly integrated end-to-end solutions for pay by phone parking and digital parking permits. With roughly 2 million registered users, Parkmobile is available in more than 100 cities worldwide. Parkmobile USA was founded in Atlanta, Georgia and has become one of the largest providers of cashless parking systems in the United States. The company's call center, engineering team and corporate headquarters are located in the U.S. For additional information, please visit www.parkmobile.com.