Wednesday, March 15, 2023 — Cleveland — Through a detailed RFP and review process, the City of Cleveland has selected Flowbird and ParkMobile, LLC to modernize its on-street parking system.
Across the city, coin operated meters will be replaced with smart parking meters provided by Flowbird. A new mobile parking payment service platform, operated by ParkMobile, will allow customers to pay for their parking through an app, text message, or by scanning a QR code.
“This project will provide more convenient and accessible parking options for all who spend time in Cleveland’s commercial and cultural centers,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Smart parking is a significant step towards my administration’s vision to modernize operations across the city.”
The new system of parking will be a seamless network of single-space and multi-space smart, credit card enabled meters and kiosks. An estimated 600 multi-space meters and 100 single space meters will be installed across downtown and in neighborhoods on both the east and west sides of the city.
The total estimated cost of the project will be just over $5 million including the cost of equipment, software, and tools for monitoring.
“This investment in our city will improve the parking experience for residents and visitors as well as help us improve our efficiency in enforcement,” said Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Teeuwen. “We expect to see an increase in revenue through better enforcement as well as additional payment options that smart meters will offer users.”
In the coming weeks, the Bibb administration will put forth legislation to Cleveland City Council for approval of the contracts with Flowbird and ParkMobile. After passing through council, the contracts will require administrative approval from the Consultant Review Committee and the Board of Control.
It is estimated that both the software and equipment will be ready for public use within six months of the agreements being signed.
