Arlington Releasing Mobile Parking App After Years-Long Push

ARLINGTON, MA — The town will introduce PayByPhone, a mobile parking payment app, on Nov. 4. Residents and visitors will be able to pay by phone at more than 500 surface lot spaces, including the Railroad Lot, Russell Common Lot and Library Lot, and on the streets of Arlington Center.

Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said residents have requested a mobile app option since parking meters were installed in 2016.

"We are pleased to introduce the PayByPhone app, which provides a convenient and secure option, but one that is also safer during a pandemic to protect visitors who come to support local businesses," Chapdelaine said.

The company currently serves 35 million drivers, allowing them to pay for parking with just their smartphone. The free app sends text messages automatically when a parking session expires, giving drivers the ability to extend their parking session without needing to return to their vehicle. Drivers can also begin a session without registering for an account, making it ideal for those who are pressed for time.

Neighboring communities like Waltham, Somerville and Concord use the PayByPhone app as well.

"Municipalities in North America are increasingly adopting the PayByPhone app because it simplifies and creates a better parking experience for residents and visitors," Roamy Valera, PayByPhone CEO, said in a statement.

The Arlington Center Parking Study was released in May 2014 and recommended a comprehensive parking management plan. The Parking Advisory Committee makes parking recommendations based on this study and other information and research in order to encourage turnover in the business districts. Installing meters was one such recommendation, and the introduction of a contactless system ensures that the parking experience is seamless in the current environment.

The PayByPhone app will be available on Nov. 4, when enforcement of parking meter payments will resume. Payments have been disabled since March due to the pandemic.

You can download the PayByPhone app via the iTunes Store or Google Play Store. Questions about parking enforcement and fines may be directed to the Arlington Police Department at 781-316-3944 or the Arlington Treasurer/Collector Office at 781-316-3030, respectively. Any questions about bringing an app to Arlington for compatible use with parking meters can be directed to Daniel Amstutz, Senior Transportation Planner, at damstutz@town.arlington.ma.us