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��• � <br /> - There aze several other benefits to computerized multi-space meters. They include: <br /> 1. Better urban design. With one or two meters per block instead of ten or twenty, the <br /> appeatance of our sidewalks will be greatly improved. <br /> 2. Quicker repairs. In the event of inechanical failures, a central computer is notified <br /> and an alert the Public Works department and ensure a speedy response. <br /> 3. Solar power. No power needs to be run to the meters. Many run on solar power. <br /> 4. Better information. Multi meters can display information on a large, clear, <br /> interactive screen, which means that they can convey much more information much <br /> more effectively than a conventional meter. <br /> 5. Revenue control. Because each transaction is recorded on the central computer, <br /> missing revenue can be immediately identified by auditors. <br /> 6. Economy. Depending on how many meters are replaced, the cost of purchasing and <br /> maintaining multi-space meters can be much cheaper. The credit card option also <br /> lowers the cost of counting, collecting, and depositing coins. <br /> 7. Better data collection. Because the meters collect detailed records of their use, it is <br /> very easy for the parking manager to analyze the parking patterns of Downtown and <br /> to know exactly where there are problems, exactly what the occupancy rate is <br /> throughout the day. This information is critical in setting proper prices. With the <br /> automatic collection of this data by the meters, parking consultants are not needed to <br /> conduct occupancy surveys. <br /> There are two types of multi-space meters: Pay-and-display and pay-by-space. Pay-and-display <br /> meters work this way: after parking, the pazker walks to the meter and pays for the desired <br /> amount of time. A receipt is the printed which displays the time at which the parking will expire, <br /> and the parker displays this ticket on their windshield. <br /> Pay-by-space meters work a little differently. Each parking space has a number, which is <br /> stenciled on the curb. The parker then enters the number of their parking space, pays for the <br /> desired amount of time, and is on their way. <br /> After much research, staff recommends the pay-by-space type. There are several advantages to <br /> using this equipment, which are as follows. <br /> 1. Convenience. Upon paying, visitors do not need to return to their car to display their <br /> receipt. They can simply pay and go. If they want to purchase more time, they don't <br /> need to return to their car, they can pay at the nearest meter, because they are all <br /> networked. <br /> 2. No ticket anxiety. Visitors who pay with a"smart card" can simply hit a"pay <br /> maximum" button, and then get a refund for unused time at the end of their trip. <br /> 3. Easier enforcement. Enforcement officers do not need to look at the dashboard of <br /> each car to see who hasn't paid. They can easily find out who is in violation at the <br /> meter itself or from hand-held devices. <br /> 4. Friendliness. A grace time can be programmed into these machines that will give <br /> customers a few extra minutes to return before a violation is displayed. <br /> paa�e 2g <br />