Paying for parking with your mobile phone is pretty common in Europe these days, but I guess that’s not the case in all parts of the U.S. Hence we have Parkmobile USA issuing a press releasing saying that the service is now available for residents and visitors to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Here’s how the service works (from the press release):
To use the service, motorists can register by calling toll-free, 877-PARK-715, visiting www.parkmobile.com/us or download our mobile application at www.parkmobileapp.com. After setting up the account, customers can immediately start using the system with their registered mobile phone. Motorists also can select the option to receive text message alerts and reminders fifteen minutes before their time expires.
I’m not sure have you read that correctly, but in a single word the process is STUPID. Why would I have to register for the service and download a mobile app? Isn’t it easier just to send my car’s license plate to some specified number and pay that way? That’s called premium SMS and it’s the way paying for parking with your mobile phone works in most places in Europe. Requiring registration is a waste of time, unless there is some (stupid) regulatory process that requires so. On the other hand, I don’t want to be too critical — mobile payments are coming to New Mexico and that’s a good thing!