Parking payment changes in downtown Omaha
The city unveils parking kiosks and new rates
The city unveils parking kiosks and new rates
The city unveils parking kiosks and new rates
Omaha is unveiling its new parking meters in downtown Omaha.
The idea is simple: to make parking easier. But KETV found several people confused over the new system.
To pay for parking, you can still use the Park Omaha app or download the Park Mobile app. They'll both work.
What's new are the pay kiosks — everyone in a zone can pay at the same one. They're located on the sidewalk in front of each zone. You can swipe your card or use coins to pay.
As the updated parking system rolls out, some people struggled with the new payment kiosks.
"It was okay," said. "I'm just not tech-savvy."
KETV met Dahna Blakley as she was taking her kids to Gene Leahy Mall.
"It's our first time, so we're excited to check it out," Blakley said.
But she didn't have the Park Omaha app installed on her phone, instead giving the new kiosks a try.
"It was a little intimidating at first, having to stare at the meter and what do I do. But yeah, it's pretty simple once I got it," she said.
KETV showed Gary Arbaugh how to use the app. He says he prefers it over the kiosk.
"I like the phone. I like the phone. That's why I got it set up. And hopefully, next time I come downtown, it'll be ready to go," Arbaugh said.
With his license plate and card info saved in the app, he's ready for his next trip downtown.
"Oh yeah, it's easy, and next time it'll be real easy," he said.
John St. Clair is also a fan.
"I've used the app all the time when we're down here," he said. "It actually seems a bit better once you get it all set up."
Part of this rollout is that the price for parking is changing too.
It'll be cheaper to park for short periods of time — just a dollar per hour for your first two hours.
Park in a spot longer than that, though, and it gets more expensive.