Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

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MBTA Pilot Program: Park & Pay by Phone

MBTA commuters using the Kingston/Plymouth Commuter Rail Line and Commuter Ferry lots at Quincy and Hingham now have a convenient new payment method when to pay for their daily parking.

Beginning Friday December 12, 2008, the MBTA is introducing Verrus Park and Pay by Phone as a pilot program for Kingston Line commuter rail and Quincy and Hingham Commuter Ferry customers as an easy to use, flexible, non-cash payment option to pay for daily parking fees. Verrus Park and Pay by Phone is the first automated payment option to be introduced into the MBTA′s network of self-service commuter parking lots. We believe it is an attractive, intuitive, easy to use payment alternative to the current “honor box” payment method.

Verrus′ Park and Pay by Phone service eliminates the need to insert cash and coins into payment boxes for daily parking fees. Pay by Phone users at the over 6,000 Kingston Line and Quincy and Hingham ferry parking spaces will no longer need to worry about having single dollar bills or rushing to pay before your train or ferry departs. Customers can pay for parking from the comfort of your vehicle, or while walking to or on the platform. For those customers who are in a hurry, simply pay for your parking while you after boarding your train or ferry.

Here′s how:

  1. Call 1-877-510-PARK (7275) (add this number to your speed dial!)   
  2. Enter your station Location # (on bright green signs throughout the lot)   
  3. Enter your Parking Space # and press 1 to confirm the transaction.

How do I sign up?

First time users can sign up online at paybyphone.com or by calling 1-877-510-PARK (7275). To set up an account you will need:

  1. Mobile phone number
  2.Credit card (we accept VISA and MasterCard, and soon American Express)

The next time you call, caller ID will recognize your account information and you will be prompted for the location # and your parking space #. Yes, that′s it.

What are the benefits?

  * No more need for cash or coin- use your mobile phone to pay
  * Avoid lines at the honor box or stopping to pay before boarding train/boat.
  * Pay from anywhere-- in your car, on the way to the platform, on the platform, even while you are on   board your train or ferry
  * View and confirm transaction history & print parking receipts online

How does the parking enforcement agent know I've paid by cell phone?

When you pay for your parking by phone, your parking space number and parking time are automatically displayed on a handheld device used by the parking agent.

Does Pay by Phone parking cost extra for MBTA customers?

No. There is no extra fee to Pay by Phone. You only pay the daily rate charged at the lot.

Is it safe to do a credit card transaction on a mobile phone?

Yes. Your credit card number is encrypted when you sign up and is never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.

When will I see the transactions on my credit card statement?

Each time you pay for your parking by cell phone the payment is processed in real-time. The amount of time that elapses before it shows up on your statement will vary depending on your credit card company.

Do I get a receipt?

You can view all your transactions by logging into your account at paybyphone.com. All parking charges can be printed off in the form of a receipt if required. This is great news for customers with business expense accounts or those who seek a pre-tax benefit for parking costs.

What MBTA parking facilities currently have Park and Pay by Phone?

Kingston/Plymouth COMMUTER RAIL PARKING	LOCATION #
Abington	4066
Halifax	4067
Hanson	4068
Kingston	4070
Plymouth	4065
South Weymouth	4072
Whitman	4073
COMMUTER FERRY PARKING	LOCATION #
Hingham Ship Yard	4069
Quincy Boat Yard  (Daily Parking	4071
Quincy Boat Yard  (Overnight Parking	3997

Why were the Kingston Commuter Rail line and the Quincy & Hingham Commuter Ferry stations picked as the test pilot locations?

There are three reasons. First, the Kingston Line is one of only 2 commuter rail lines where the all of the parking facilities along the line are MBTA owned and operated (Greenbush is the other). By selecting the Kingston Line we eliminate the confusion of identifying which stations have Park and Pay by Phone by simply promoting it along an entire Commuter Rail line. Second, the capacity of the high demand Kingston Line parking facilities range from one of the smallest (96 spaces) all the way to one of the largest (1,030 spaces). Third, we believe our loyal Commuter Ferry customers who use the ferry service to Logan Airport for extended overnight stays will appreciate the conveniences and flexibility of paying for their parking by phone. An amenity such as a text message reminder to add time remotely to their parking will go a long way when those business trips (or vacations) go a couple extra days. We have established a 20% acceptance rate as our goal for this pilot and if achieved, we will quickly look to expand Pay by Phone to all MBTA operated parking facilities where “honor boxes” are the main payment method.

Am I required to list the license plate number(s) of the vehicle(s) I plan to use when signing up for a Verrus account?

No.  Neither Verrus nor the MBTA requires license plate numbers.

Let us know how it's working!

Throughout the pilot, we want your feedback. Please send us your comments or suggestions to mbtaparking@mbta.com

For more information on park and Pay by Phone or to sign up, check out www.paybyphone.com, or email info@verrus.com, or call 1-877-987-DO-IT (3648)