New, credit-card-ready parking meters will start appearing in downtown Chico this week, the first step in a new strategy that may lead to higher prices.
In contrast to the boxy, futuristic pay stations popping up in big cities, these so-called smart meters aren’t too much of a departure from the past. Made by San Diego-based IPS Group, the pole-mounted meters look a lot like the current ones, with the addition of a silvery hat.
The hat has a digital display and a slot accepting credit and debit cards. And yes, they still take coins.
In all, Chico will replace 438 of its existing meters at about $450 a pop for a total of about $200,000. The old ones and a dozen new ones will be kept in reserve.
The new meters are part of a new strategy developed by city officials and downtown merchants. The plan calls for eventually using variable pricing to keep 15 percent of metered spots vacant, enabling shoppers to more easily find a space near their destination.