Parking and Transit Services is now offering the ability to pay for metered parking via cell phone.
The state-of-the-art RingGo service is available at all UNL parking meters on City and East campuses and the 17th and R Street parking garage. Users are encouraged to set up an account at http://www.myringgo.com/us before using the service. After an account is established, payment can be made through any cell phone. The system includes mobile apps for Droids and iPhones.
UNL is the first university in the United States to use the RingGo service.
"We've had the RingGo service up and running since June," said Dan Carpenter, director of Parking and Transit Services. "Our soft rollout this summer has been seamless. However, the big test will come when students return to campus.
"That explosion in the number of users will judge the success of this service."
RingGo offers hourly and daily parking options. The daily rate is $5; hourly is $1. There is also an additional 30-cent convenience fee charge per transaction. For another 10 cents, users can opt for a text message that alerts them when time is about to expire.
RingGo users should note that after a transaction is made, campus parking meters will continue to show that time has expired. Carpenter said, before any tickets are issued, Parking and Transit Services employees are required to check a RingGo database to see if a parking space has been paid for.
Stickers outlining how to use the service are on all UNL parking meters. Carpenter said UNL's total investment in the new system is around $200 for signage.
UNL officials selected RingGo through a competitive bid process.
"This is an inexpensive and convenient way to add another option to faculty, staff, students and visitors who park on campus," Carpenter said. "It is also convenient for us as it reduces the need for cash handling."
- Troy Fedderson, University Communications
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/h9t