Patch Asks: Will You Miss The Old Meters?

The New York Times today marked the demise of the traditional parking meter in New York City.

The Dept. of Transportation is replacing them throughout the city with muni-meters. In an email forwarded by a Community Board 8 member, Queens DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy explained the switchover;

I am sure you are aware of some of the benefits of muni-meters, which provide a convenient pay- and-display system, create more parking spaces, and reduce unnecessary sidewalk encumbrances.

Instead of dropping that change directly outside the car, drivers will walk to the muni-meter, purchase a ticket, walk back to your car, unlock and display. McCarthy may know some who find pay-and-display more convenient, but it will provide greater difficulty to city drivers who would otherwise take public transportation if not for a physical disability.

There are other considerations. NYT reports that some of the spots once encumbered by traditional meters will now be used to install bike racks. And coin thefts, the DOT hopes, will be a thing of the past.

Commissioner McCarthy also says there will be more parking spaces— NYT reports 10 to 15 percent more. Parking spaces will no longer be measured out by the city. This may be a transit blessing, or a curse if you encounter an overly-familiar parker, who will jam their car in like it was made of soft rubber.

Whether motorists love it or hate the new system, it seems to have been a no-brainer for the DOT.

Muni-meters will likely add to the revenue pot, as drivers won't be able to glide into a spot with time remaining; once a driver leaves, they take their ticket—and their extra time with them. So there will be greater revenue for the city, but less change jangling in car consoles.

Do you welcome the change, or will you miss stand-alone meters?