FAQs

Contents

  1. General Overview
  2. Rates & Fees
  3. Using MobileMeter
  4. Accounts & Payments
  5. Enforcement
  6. Troubleshooting
  7. For Mobile Browser and Basic Phone Users Only
  8. Help & Support

General Overview

What is MobileMeter?

MobileMeter is an easy and convenient way to pay for metered parking, in Champaign, Urbana, and the University of Illinois using a mobile phone or web browser.

What are the benefits of MobileMeter?

Is there a fee to use MobileMeter?

When parking time is purchased through MobileMeter, a 25 cent convenience fee applies to each transaction. MobileMeter will inform you of the convenience fee and you will be asked to confirm the transaction before you are charged.

Where is MobileMeter offered?

Look for the new MobileMeter decals on the meters. MobileMeter is available on all street metered parking in Champaign and Urbana as well as the University of Illinois campus. Be sure to look for specific zone number displayed on the signs and meters.

How do I get started?

Easy! All you need is a credit or debit card. Choose one of the methods below to get started:

How do I get the app?

The free MobileMeter app is available for download in the App Store and at Google Play.

Is there an app for Blackberry or Windows phones users?

At this time, there is no app for Blackberry or Windows phones, but users can access MobileMeter.us online or from a mobile web browser. For an app-like experience on a Windows phone, you can take advantage of the ‘Pin to Start’ feature in Internet Explorer. To do so:

  1. Open Internet Explorer on your Windows phone.
  2. Navigate to mobilemeter.ppprk.com and allow the page to fully load.
  3. Tap ‘More’, then tap ‘Pin to Start’.

Following the instructions above allows you to pin the MobileMeter mobile web page to your Start screen and use it like a dedicated Windows phone app. For additional instructions on the ‘Pin to Start’ feature, please visit the Windows phone how-to page.

Can I download the app on my tablet?

OS users can download the MobileMeter app on their iPad, but a valid mobile phone number is still required to create an account and use the app. Android users cannot download the app on a tablet at this time due to limitations within the Android platform.

How do I extend my parking with MobileMeter?

One of the benefits of MobileMeter is the freedom to extend your parking session from a remote location, like a restaurant, office, or residence, up to the maximum time allowed. If you’re using MobileMeter and your phone has service, you will receive an alert when you have 10 minutes left on your parking session. You can monitor how much time is left on your session at any time by opening up the app. (For more information, see Why is it that sometimes I can extend parking and sometimes I can’t?

Can I still use the meters?

Yes. If you choose, you can still pay by using the meters.

Without paying at the meter, how do parking enforcement officers know that I have paid for parking?

Each time you use MobileMeter, you will enter your space number that identifies your parking session. Enforcement personnel determine if you have paid by looking up your the parking meter number and payment status.

How can I deactivate my account?

You may deactivate your account at any time by visiting MobileMeter.us. Once you log in, select the Menu (upper left corner icon with three horizontal bars); click on ‘Profile’ and then click the ‘Deactivate Account’ button. Complete the short process to deactivate your account. The remaining parking funds in your account will be refunded to you, less any amounts used to pay your parking transactions, if applicable. Be aware that once you deactivate your account, it cannot be reactivated. If you wish to use MobileMeter again, you will need to create a new account.

 

Rates & Fees

What are the hourly parking rates?

Information regarding the rates and restrictions are located on each meter.

Are there additional charges besides the parking rate?

When parking time is purchased through MobileMeter, a convenience fee of $0.25 is charged for each transaction. MobileMeter will inform you of the convenience fee and you will be asked to confirm the transaction before you are charged.

Do other cities offer mobile payment for metered parking? How much do they charge?

Many U.S. cities are adopting mobile payment systems for metered parking, including Chicago, San Jose, Louisville, Omaha and Salt Lake City. Typical convenience fees range from $0.25 to $0.45.

How does MobileMeter bill me?

You can pay for your parking sessions in MobileMeter using either a Credit/Debit card or by funding the MobileMeter Frequent Parker Account.

Transactions completed using an individual Credit/Debit card will show up on your card statements as individual line items and will be credited/debited from your account once the parking session is completed.

If you fund the MobileMeter Prefunded Account, you have the option to fund, using a Credit/Debit card, a minimum $10.00 or a maximum of $100.00. Each time you use the MobileMeter Prefunded Account to pay for parking, the cost of your parking session is deducted from your prepaid account. When your account balance reaches $0, if automatic replenishment is selected, your account will automatically replenish using your selected method of payment. Replenishment will be at least $10.00 or increments of $10.00 up to $100, in the amount needed to cover your parking transaction.

Does MobileMeter require a minimum purchase amount for a transaction?

Yes. MobileMeter requires a minimum purchase of 30 minutes.

When do I have to pay for parking?

Downtown Champaign and Urbana:

Payment for parking at the meter or via MobileMeter is required Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parking is FREE all day on Saturdays & Sundays, on City Holidays (see below for a list of City Holidays), and from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the week. Parking is prohibited at on-street meters, in City lots from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. for cleaning activities. Overnight parking is allowed in the Hill Street Parking Deck. MobileMeter is not available as a payment method in the Hill Street Parking Deck.

City Holidays on which parking is free are:

Campustown/University District:

Payment for parking at the meter or via MobileMeter is required Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parking is FREE all day on Sundays, on City Holidays (see below for a list of City Holidays), and from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the week. Parking is prohibited at on-street meters, in City lots from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. for cleaning activities.

U of Illinois Parking Areas:

Payment for parking at the meter or via MobileMeter is required Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to either 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on the location. Parking is FREE on Saturdays & Sundays, and until 2 a.m. on weekdays. Parking is not allowed from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

 

Using MobileMeter

How do I know if MobileMeter is available where I parked?

Look for the new MobileMeter decals on the meters. MobileMeter is available on all street metered parking in Champaign and Urbana as well as the University of Illinois campus. Be sure to look for specific zone number displayed on the signs and meters.

Can I use MobileMeter at metered parking outside of the City of Champaign, Urbana, and the University of Illinois?

No. MobileMeter is currently only available in the City of Champaign, Urbana, and the University of Illinois.

What’s a zone number? How do I locate my zone number?

The zone number, displayed on the MobileMeter decal affixed to each parking meter, identifies where you are parked.

Why is it important to use the correct zone number?

Each block and even each side of the street may have different parking restrictions and hours of operation or length of stay. Entering the wrong zone number may result in a ticket.

If I don’t have my mobile phone with me, can I use a different phone to pay for parking?

Yes. Although your phone number is linked to MobileMeter for security and verification reasons, you can start another account on a different phone and pay for parking with the new phone number. You may also use your email address to login on a different phone. If you don’t have a mobile phone with you, make a payment at the meter nearest to your vehicle. Additionally, if you’re with someone who has a MobileMeter account, they can pay for your parking by simply paying for your space and you can repay the favor in the future!

Why is it that sometimes I can extend parking and sometimes I can’t?

You may be unable to extend parking if you are outside the zone’s hours of operation or due to a parking restriction (such as a two-hour parking limit). When you purchase parking, you are not permitted to purchase more time than the allowed length of stay. Make sure you check for rates, parking restrictions on the meters, and permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

Like many apps or mobile services, MobileMeter requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. The connectivity of your personal devices is not under our control, and if you experience failure in wireless service, you will be unable to extend your parking session remotely. In such circumstances, please pay for parking at the meter nearest to your vehicle.

Can I change my notification alert to something other than 10 minutes?

No. At this time, the time period for the notification alert feature cannot be changed.

I parked using the wrong zone number; can I change it?

You cannot change a zone number once your parking session has started, so remember to review screens before confirming your sessions. Make sure you check for rates, parking restrictions on the meter, and permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

How do I know if my parking time was processed?

The MobileMeter app or mobile web session screen shows the start and end times of your parking session. Additionally, a countdown timer will show the remaining amount of time to your current parking session at any point in time.

 

Accounts & Payments

How do I pay for parking using MobileMeter?

You can pay for your parking sessions in MobileMeter using either a Credit/Debit card or by funding the MobileMeter Frequent Parker Account.

Transactions completed using a Credit/Debit card will show up on your card statements as individual line items and will be deducted from your account once the parking session is completed.

If you fund the MobileMeter Prefunded Account using a Credit/Debit card, you have the option of putting a minimum of $10.00 to a maximum of $100.00 on your account. Each time you use the MobileMeter Prefunded Account to pay for parking, the cost of your parking session is deducted from your prepaid account. When your balance reaches $0.00, your account will be automatically replenished, using your selected method of payment, with at least $10.00 or increments of $10.00, up to $100.00, in the amount needed to cover your parking transaction. Note, although the default is $10.00, you can select to have the account not replenish and if the transaction will put you below your balance, you will not be able to pay for parking.

What forms of payment can I use to pre-fund my account?

You can use any Visa, Discover, and Mastercard card to initiate a single parking session or fund the MobileMeter Prefunded Account.

Can I use MobileMeter without having to set up an account?

No. In order to use MobileMeter, you must set up an account first.

Can I use MobileMeter without having to link my credit or debit card?

No. In order to use MobileMeter, you must link a credit or debit card to your account.

My account is running low; how do I add more funds?

When your account balance reaches or drops to $0.00, your account will be automatically replenished to the amount you have selected; the default is $10.00. Using your selected method of payment, your account will be funded with at least $10.00, or increments of $10.00 in the amount needed to cover your parking transaction and to maintain an amount above the $0.00 balance on your account.

Can I access my parking history? How do I get receipts?

Your MobileMeter transactions are saved and can be accessed in two ways:

  1. To email a receipt of a parking session directly from the app, go to Settings and select ‘My Parking History’. The app keeps a history of your last 20 parking sessions. Choose a recent session and select ‘Email Receipt’. This will send a receipt to the email address associated with the MobileMeter account.
  2. To view the entire parking history of your account, you may log in to MobileMeter.us from a computer and run reports as necessary.

Is it safe to make payments via MobileMeter?

MobileMeter is committed to protecting your customer information. Your credit card number is encrypted and your information is handled as specified in our privacy policy available here.

How does MobileMeter use my email?

We only use your email address to send you important information regarding your MobileMeter account.

How can I deactivate my account?

Deactivate your account at any time by visiting MobileMeter.us. Once you log in, select Menu (upper left corner icon with three horizontal bars), click on ‘Profile’ and then click the ‘Deactivate Account’ button. Be aware that once you deactivate your account, it cannot be reactivated. If you wish to use MobileMeter again, you will need to create a new account.

 

Enforcement

Without the meter showing paid or a dashboard receipt, how do parking enforcers know that I have paid for parking?

Each time you use MobileMeter you will enter the associated zone and parking meter number which identifies your parking session. enforcement personnel will look up the parking meter number to determine if you have paid. Do not place your phone or any other receipt in the windshield as proof of payment

How can I avoid getting a parking ticket when using MobileMeter?

If you’re using the app and have a signal, MobileMeter will send a notification alert to your mobile device when you have 10 minutes left on your parking session. At that point, you can extend your session from your phone, subject to restrictions (see Why is it that sometimes I can extend parking and sometimes I can’t?). However, we cannot be responsible for any failure to receive a notification alert or extend your parking session because of failures in your wireless service or malfunctions with your wireless carrier.

I paid with MobileMeter and received a violation. What can I do to contest my ticket?

Regardless of payment method, you can always contest a parking violation. Click here to learn more about contesting a violation. If you receive a violation when you have parked using MobileMeter, you can access your parking history to show verification of payment.

 

Troubleshooting

The app doesn’t work; I’m not getting notification alerts; it’s slow

Like many apps or mobile services, MobileMeter requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. If you experience any issues with the app, check your phone’s coverage status and/or Wi-Fi signal first. The connectivity of your personal devices is not under our control, and we cannot be responsible for any failure to get a notification alert or inability to extend a parking session because of failures in wireless service or malfunction with your wireless carrier. Also, please be aware that sessions originated from the app, whether on iPhone, iPad or an Android device, receive notifications on the app and on that specific device.

If you continue to experience problems, let us know by visiting the Menu > ‘Send Bug Report’ on your app or on MobileMeter.us and then restart the app. We’ll look into it as soon as possible. Please remember that if you’re unable to pay for parking through MobileMeter for any reason, you’re still required to pay for metered parking and should do so at the meter nearest to your car and place a receipt on your dashboard as proof of payment, if applicable.

How do I reset my PIN?

You create your PIN when you sign up for an account. If you wish to reset your PIN, click on the ‘Reset PIN’ button on the Login page. You will be required to re-enter your payment card currently on file to verify your identity (we provide the last four digits to help you remember which card you used). After successfully verifying your payment card details, you will be taken to the ‘Create PIN’ page, at which point you can reset your PIN.

Why do I get a ‘Locked Parking’ error message?

If you received a ‘Locked Parking’ error message, be aware that we have manually suspended your account due to payment discrepancies. In such cases, please contact the relevant support line from the following options for more information:

Why can’t I add more time to my parking session?

If you are unable to add additional time to your parking stay, it is likely that:

Why am I receiving a time out error?

MobileMeter allows 90 seconds to complete a transaction before the system times out. If a time out occurs, simply begin your transaction again.

Why didn’t I receive a notification alerting me that my time is about to expire?

Like many apps or mobile services, MobileMeter requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. Check your phone’s coverage status and/or Wi-Fi signal. We cannot be responsible for any failure to get a notification alert or extend parking because of failures in wireless service or due to failures or malfunctions with your wireless carrier.

Also, go to Menu > ‘Preferences’ and make sure that the ‘Remind me when my time is expiring’ app notification option is selected. Check your phone’s Push Notification settings and make sure that your phone has service. If you are experiencing any problems, let us know by visiting Menu > ‘Send Bug Report’ on your app or on MobileMeter.us. We’ll look into as soon as possible.

My phone battery has run out and I can’t pay for my parking with MobileMeter. How can I pay for my parking?

Return to the block where your vehicle is parked, and pay at the meter.

My name and/or account information has changed. How can I change it?

No problem. Using the app or website, visit the Menu and access the options under ‘Settings’ to change your Profile and/or Payment Details.

I have a new phone number. What do I do?

If you have a new phone number, you will need to register a new account for that phone number. Deactivate your current account by logging into MobileMeter.us and then sign up for a new account.

Can I add another phone number to my account?

No. Each account is connected to a single phone number.

I have received multiple charges on my bank account after I used the app. I believe I am a victim of fraud. What can be done?

Contact the bank associated with your credit/debit card immediately if you believe you may be a victim of fraud. In addition, please call us immediately via the relevant support line below and we can help you determine if the charges are legitimate.

I’m trying to create an account but it keeps saying “User Exists.” I’ve never signed up before. Help!

Please call us via the relevant support line below and and we can help you sort out the situation.

May I get a refund for any unused time?

No. Refunds for unused time are not available. Make sure you check for parking restrictions on the parking meter and for permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

 

For Mobile Browser and Basic Phone Users Only

Am I charged for text messages that I receive from MobileMeter?

MobileMeter does not charge for text messages we send to you, but text messages are subject to standard message and data rates charged by your wireless service provider.

How can I change my text message preferences?

You can manage your text message preferences in the Preferences section on your online account.

How do I stop text messages?

You can stop text message notifications by visiting the ‘Preferences’ section on your online account and disabling text messages. Additionally, text STOPTXT to 217-207-3033. Following a request to unsubscribe, you will receive a confirmation message from MobileMeter confirming that you have been inactivated in our system. Be aware, however, that if you choose not to receive text message alerts we cannot remind you of when your parking expires.

Do I have to sign up for text messages to park?

If you purchase parking by calling 217-207-3033, you must agree to receive text messages regarding your parking transaction. This includes text messages to process your transaction, receipts for your transactions, and parking expiration reminders. If you don’t want to receive text messages you can use our conveniently located parking meters to purchase parking.

If you purchase parking with MobileMeter.us either on a desktop or mobile web browser, you can manage your text message preferences for expiration alerts by visiting the ‘Preferences’ section on your online account. If you choose not to receive text message expiration alerts, we cannot remind you of when your parking expires.

You do not need to sign up for text messages to use MobileMeter. However, you will need to receive your account verification code by text message when you sign up for the MobileMeter app.

How many text messages will I receive?

The number of text messages you receive will depend on the number of parking transactions you initiate and the method you use to purchase parking. Depending on the method you use to purchase parking, you may get up to eight text messages in relation to your transaction.

What else should I know about text messages I may receive from MobileMeter?

Text messages are subject to your wireless carrier’s standard message and data rates. To stop text messages, visit the Preferences section on your online account and disable text messages or text STOPTXT to 217-207-3033. For help, call 217-403-4700 or text HELPME to 217-207-3033. Depending on the method you use to purchase parking you may get up to eight text messages in relation to your transaction. If you don’t want to receive texts please use our conveniently located parking meters to purchase parking.

 

Help & Support

How do I get support?

Using the app or website, go to Menu > ‘Report a Problem’ and send us the details of your issue. If you need immediate assistance, please call us via the relevant support line below or text HELPME to 217-207-3033