ParkBoston

What is ParkBoston?

ParkBoston is an easy and convenient way to pay for metered parking in Boston using a mobile app or web browser.

What are the benefits of ParkBoston?

• Pay for parking using your phone without having to go to a meter.
• Receive mobile alerts 15 minutes prior to your time expiring.
• Extend your parking time remotely, up to the maximum time allowed per posted signage.

How was ParkMobile chosen as the vendor for ParkBoston?

The City of Boston chose to partner with ParkMobile via an RFP Process where they were chosen over multiple vendors.

Is there a fee to use ParkBoston?

A convenience fee (detailed below) will be applied to each parking transaction in Boston when using ParkBoston. The convenience fee pricing is displayed in ParkBoston, and you will be asked to confirm the transaction before you are charged. Effective August 15, 2022, the convenience fee is $0.35 per individual parking transaction and $0.25 per ParkMobile Wallet payment for zones located in Boston.

Where is ParkBoston offered?

ParkBoston is available across the City of Boston! Just look for the ParkBoston logo on signage and on meter stickers on the same side of the street where you are parked and on the decals on the meter. You can also use ParkBoston anywhere throughout the United States where ParkMobile is accepted.  

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy! All you need is a credit or debit card. Choose one of the methods below:

• iPhone and Android users: Download the free ParkBoston app to your device.
• Basic cell phone users: Sign up online at Park.Boston.gov (the easiest and recommended way). Or go to Park.Boston.gov for details. Your wireless carrier’s message and data rates may apply.

How do I get the app?

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

Can I download the app on my tablet?

Yes, you can download the ParkBoston app on your iPad or on an Android tablet, but a valid mobile phone number or email address is still required to create an account to use the app. 

How do I extend my parking with ParkBoston?

One of the benefits of ParkBoston 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 ParkBoston and your phone has service, you will receive an alert when you have 15 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 like you have done traditionally.

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

Each time you use ParkBoston, you will enter or select the license plate number of the vehicle being parked. Enforcement personnel use the license plate number displayed on the parked vehicle to verify payment status.

How can I deactivate my account?

Deactivate your account at any time in the ParkBoston app by selecting Settings, then Account Settings, and then Cancel Account. 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 any. Be aware that once you deactivate your account, it can’t be reactivated. If you wish to use ParkBoston again, you will need to create a new account.

What are the hourly parking rates?

• Back Bay: $3.75 per hour
• Bulfinch Triangle: $2.50 per hour in the area bordered by Causeway Street, Lomasney Way, Staniford Street, Merrimac Street, New Chardon Street, and North Washington Street.
• Fenway/Kenmore: $2.50 per hour
• South Boston Waterfront: $3.75 per hour on all City-owned streets, with the exception of D Street, which is priced at $2.50 per hour.
• Motorcycle parking: $0.50 per hour at all parking stalls. These include those located on Milk Street, Pearl Street, High Street, Batterymarch Street, Newbury Street, Exeter Street, Gloucester Street, Boylston Street, and Fairfield Street.
• Parking meter rates in all other metered areas of the City, including Beacon Hill, the Financial District, and the South End, are set to $2 per hour.

Are there additional charges besides the parking rate?

When parking time is purchased in Boston parking spaces through ParkBoston, a convenience fee of 35 cents is charged for each and every transaction or 25 cents for ParkMobile Wallet. ParkBoston will inform you of the convenience fee and you will be asked to confirm a 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 Philadelphia, Louisville, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. Typical convenience fees range from 25 to 45 cents.

How does ParkBoston bill me?

You can pay for your parking sessions with ParkBoston using:

• a Credit/Debit card
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay, or
• by funding the ParkMobile Prefunded Wallet Account.

Transactions completed using an individual 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 ParkMobile Prefunded Account, you have the option to fund, using a Credit/Debit card, a minimum $25.00 or a maximum of $100.00. Each time you use the ParkMobile Prefunded Account to pay for parking, the cost of your parking session is deducted from your prepaid account. When your account balance reaches $0.00, your account will be automatically replenished, using your selected method of payment, with your pre-selected load amount of at least $25.00 or up to $100.00. 

Does ParkBoston require a minimum purchase amount for a transaction?

Yes. ParkBoston requires a minimum purchase of 12 minutes.

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

Just look for the ParkBoston logo on street signs and meter stickers on the same side of the street on the block where you are parked and on the decals on each meter.

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

The zone number displayed on the ParkBoston-logo street signs identifies where you are parked. The zone number is listed on the parking sign on the block and same side of the street where your vehicle is located and on the decal on each meter. The zone number on one side of the street is generally different from the other side. Entering the wrong zone number will result in a ticket as enforcement officers use your zone number and the license plate number of the vehicle parked to verify your paid parking session. 

Why is it important to use the correct zone number?

Each parking location may have different parking restrictions and hours of operation or length of stay, and enforcement officers use your zone number and the license plate number of the vehicle parked to verify your paid parking session.

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

Yes. Your phone number, thus your phone, or your email address are linked to ParkBoston for security and verification reasons, you can access your existing account to start a parking session from a different phone by using 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 ParkBoston account, they can pay for your parking by simply paying for your space and you can repay the favor in the future!

Download the app and login to your account or go Park.Boston.gov. 

I drive multiple vehicles. Can I add more than one license plate to my ParkBoston account?

Sure. ParkBoston allows you to add up to 5 license plate numbers, and you can have up to 5 multiple users on your account. Multiple users can add the same license plate number (say for a shared family car or company car). For your convenience, ParkBoston allows you to input multiple license plate numbers to choose from when paying for your parking session. If you’re driving a rental car, make sure to add the license plate number so you can pay for the correct vehicle. 

What if I have a specialty or vanity license plate?

People with specialty or vanity license plates issued by any state may use ParkBoston. Simply enter the full license plate number, including any stacked letters from top to bottom, as it appears on the license plate. Make sure to correctly enter every letter or number on the license plate in order to avoid a ticket.

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 rush hour or residential permit restrictions). 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, ParkBoston 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 and place a receipt on your dashboard as proof of payment, if required by the meter.

Can I change my notification alert to something other than 15 minutes?

Yes! The time period for the notification alert feature can be changed to 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes.

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 ParkBoston 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.

How do I pay for parking using ParkBoston?

You can pay for your parking sessions in ParkBoston by either:

• an individual Credit/Debit card
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay, or
• by funding the ParkMobile Prefunded Wallet Account.

Transactions completed using an individual 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 ParkMobile Prefunded Account, you have the option to fund, using a Credit/Debit card, a minimum $25.00 or a maximum of $100.00. Each time you use the ParkBoston Prefunded Account to pay for parking, the cost of your parking session is deducted from your prepaid account. When your account balance reaches $0.00, your account will be automatically replenished, using your selected method of payment, with your pre-selected load amount of at least $25.00 or up to $100.00. 

When will I get my original ParkBoston Wallet refunded?

The refund process will begin on August 13 and should appear in your bank account within a few days. Customers seeking a refund on an inactive bank account can send inquiries to parkboston@boston.gov

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

You can use any Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Discover card to initiate a single parking session or fund the ParkBoston Prefunded Account. You can also use PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to initiate a session or a ParkBoston Prefunded Account. 

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

Yes, you can use the Guest Checkout option through the website at Park.Boston.gov. 

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

Yes, you can also make payment using PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. 

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 $25.00 but you can also select to load $50.00 or $75.00. Using your selected method of payment, with at least $25.00 or the amount needed to cover your parking transaction and to maintain an above $0.00 balance on your account.

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

Your ParkBoston transactions are saved and can be accessed as such:

You can export all or a portion of your parking transaction history to either a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet file or a comma separated values (CSV) text file. To export your parking transaction history to a file:

1. Sign into your "Personal Pages" at Park.Boston.gov

2. From the left navigation list, click "Parking History". The "History" page appears.

3. In the "Period" fields, enter the date range of the parking history you want to view or click the calendar icons and select specific dates.

4. Do one of the following:

• To view parking transactions for a specific mobile phone number and/or vehicle within the selected date range, select the item from the corresponding list and then click "Search".
• To view all parking transactions within the selected date range, click "Search".

5. In the "Parking" actions area, click either "Export to Excel" or "Export to CSV". A message appears asking if you want to open or save the file.

6. Click "Save", select a location on your hard drive to save the file, and then click "Save".

Who do I contact to access data from the previous ParkBoston app?

Customers should contact parkboston@boston.gov

Who should I contact with questions about my original ParkBoston Wallet refund?

Customers should contact parkboston@boston.gov

Is it safe to make payments via ParkBoston?

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

How does ParkBoston use my email?

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

How can I deactivate my account?

To cancel your account, go to "Settings" > "Account Settings" > "Cancel Account" in the ParkBoston app. 

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

Each time you use ParkBoston, you will enter your license plate number and zone number, which identify your parking session. Enforcement personnel will look up your zone and license plate number to verify your paid session. Do not place your phone in the windshield as proof of payment.

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

If you’re using the app and have a signal, ParkBoston will send a notification alert to your mobile device when you have 15 minutes left on your parking session. At that point, you can extend your session from your phone, subject to restrictions (Please 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 any failures in wireless service or malfunctions with your wireless carrier.

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

Regardless of payment method, you can always contest a parking violation. Go to our parking ticket appeal website to learn more about how to contest a violation. If you receive a violation when you have parked using ParkBoston, you can access your parking history to show verification of payment.

The app doesn’t work. I’m not getting notification alerts. It’s slow.

Like many apps or mobile services, ParkBoston 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 device is not under our control, and we cannot be responsible for any failure to receive a notification alert or inability to extend a parking session due to failure 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 creating a help ticket or chatting with an agent from within the app, 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 ParkBoston for any reason, you’re still required to pay for metered parking and should do so at the meter nearest to your car.

Why do I get an 'Account Suspended' error message?

Your account will only be suspended if the credit card on file has expired or if you have experienced a payment failure. If your account has been disabled due to payment failures, you will need to update your payment information. Even if the credit card information is the same you'll need to go in and update it and then the account will try any outstanding balance and enable your account if processed successfully.  If the credit card on your account has expired, you will need to update your payment information. When you update your payment method your account will enable itself and will be ready for use.

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:

• You have reached the maximum parking time allowed for that space (Please See: “Why is it that sometimes I can extend and sometimes I can’t?”).
• You do not have to pay as no payment is required (check posted signs for hours of operation).
• You have parked in a restricted space (check posted signs for special restrictions like parking during rush hour).

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

Like many apps or mobile services, ParkBoston 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 failure or malfunctions with your wireless carrier.

Also, go to "Settings" > "Notifications" and make sure that the “Time Remaining (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 creating a help ticket or by chatting with an agent. We’ll look into it as soon as possible.

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

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

My name 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 "Account Settings" to change your "Profile" or "Payment Details".

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

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

Can I add another phone number to my account?

You can have up to five users on one ParkBoston account. You can associate each user with a unique license plate number or select an existing license plate on your account, but each user must have a unique phone number and email address. If you carry more than one mobile phone or you want the capability to extend your parking session from a traditional landline, add yourself as a second user but enter a different phone number. You can either enter your name again as it already appears on your account or you can customize the name to differentiate between the two users. For example, if your second phone number represents your business mobile phone, you could enter your last name as something similar to "lastname-Corp-Acct" such as "Jones-Corp-Acct." This way you can search and print the parking transactions that belong only to your business mobile phone for expense reimbursement purposes.

To add another user or phone number to your account:

1. Sign into your account on Park.Boston.gov

2. From the left navigation list, click "Users". The "Accounts" page appears.

3. Click "Add new account". The "Related Account Details" page appears.

4. Enter the user's first and last name, 10-digit phone number, and email address.

5. In the "Vehicle" section, either enter a new license plate number or select an existing number from the list, and then click "Add" next to the corresponding option.

6. Click "Save".

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

Contact the bank associated with your credit/debit card immediately if you believe you may be a victim of fraud. In addition, submit a support request through the app or at support.parkmobile.io so that 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 submit a help request via the app or website.  

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 pay box and for permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

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

ParkBoston 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.

How many text messages will I receive?

The number of text messages you receive will depend on the number of parking transactions that you enter into and the method you use to purchase parking, as well as how your notifications are configured in your account. 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 ParkBoston?

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. Depending on the method you use to purchase parking you receive text messages in relation to your transaction. If you don’t want to receive texts please adjust your notification preferences.