City of Charleston announces major parking system upgrade with modernized touchscreen technology and digital payment options

The City of Charleston has announced an upgrade to its parking system in partnership with Flowbird Group, a provider of curbside management and urban mobility solutions. The City is modernizing its parking meters and surface lots to include updated touchscreen and pay-by-plate parking technology. Technicians have installed touch screen kiosks in surface lots located off Alexander Street, George Street, the Beaufain – Archdale – Market (BAM) Lot, East Bay Lot off South Adgers Wharf, Exchange Lot off Gillon Street and the Cumberland Concord Street lot.  The city expects to have all new on-street parking meters installed in 2024.

Additionally, the City will introduce two new digital payment options: the Flowbird mobile payment app and Pay-by-Text. This upgrade aligns with the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer service with modern solutions under Mayor William Cogswell, Jr.

The updated parking system will feature solar-powered parking kiosks with a 9.7” full-color touch display, available in all City-owned surface lots. The touch screen display provides a user-friendly transaction process. Patrons will be able to pay at the kiosks using credit or debit cards, city issued smartcards, Flowbird’s payment app or pay by text.  The single space on-street meters will also accept these payment options as well as coins.

The new parking kiosks will implement a ‘pay-by-plate’ parking system, eliminating the need for users to display a receipt on their dashboard. Instead, users will simply need to input their license plate number into the kiosk.

“The City of Charleston is excited about the opportunity to upgrade our parking meter technology to improve the parking experience for our citizens and those who visit our wonderful city,” said Director of Traffic and Transportation Robert Somerville.

Through these enhancements, the city aims to improve parking turnover and manage visitor influx during peak periods while providing a more user-friendly experience. The addition of digital payment options is expected to elevate customer service standards for the parking public.

To Text-To-Park, text the code ParkCHS to 727563

To download the Flowbird App, use the QR code below: