What is a SmartMeter Parking Card?
Where can I get one?
How do I get one?
Where can I use my smart card?
Can I purchase more than one?
How much value should be on my smart card?
Can I add more value to my card or do I have to throw it away when it’s empty?
How does it work?
Why should I use a smart card instead of my credit card?
Does the card expire?
What happens if my smart card gets lost or stolen?
What is a SmartMeter Parking Card?
A SmartMeter Parking Card (smart card) is a credit card sized plastic card with a memory chip embedded in it. The smart chip holds information in electronic form, in this case, electronic money. The card can be re-loaded when you want to purchase more parking time. It operates like a prepaid phone card.
Where can I get one?
SmartMeter Parking Cards may be purchased at the following locations or click here for a map of locations:
- Park Bureau Customer Service Center , 1120 SW 5th on the first floor (this is the only site thus far where your card can be recharged with additional money)
- PSU The Urban Center Plaza (SW 6th Ave. and Mill St.)
- Portland Center for Performing Arts (PCPA) Box Office (1111 SW Broadway St.)
- Lloyd District TMA (700 NE Multnomah Ste. 340)
- Bentos & Coffee ( 431 SW Madison)
- Downtown Central Library, Friends of the Library (801 SW 10th Ave)
- Oregon Health & Science University (3310 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd.)
- Hi-School PMC Pharmacy (501 SW 10th Ave.)
We will add to the list in the future as we continue to develop and establish more partnerships with local agencies and businesses for the sale and distribution of Smart Cards.
How do I get one?
Right now there are three ways to get a SmartMeter Parking Card:
- Come to the addresses listed above with a check or credit card.
- Phone in your order (503) 823-7733 with your credit card number to have it mailed to you. To re-load, mail card in with credit card number.
- Mail in your order with a check and have the card mailed to you.
Where can I use my SmartMeter parking card?
At this time the Smart card may only be used to purchase parking time at the SmartMeters on city streets. Parking garages and other off-street parking sites do not accept the SmartMeter Parking Card.
Can I purchase more than one?
Yes. They would make great gifts!
How much value should be on my smart card?
Users typically fill their card with value equaling several weeks' worth of parking time.
Can I add more value to my card or do I have to throw it away when it’s empty?
Your Smart card may be refilled as often as you need. You may do this by following one of the three steps under "How do I get one?"
How does it work?
It works like a credit or debit card but it’s more flexible. Immediately after you have inserted your Smart card into the card reader, the SmartMeter display will tell you how much value you have on the Smart card. To purchase parking time, press the blue "Maximum Time" button to purchase the maximum time allowed for that machine, or press the blue button for parking time in 15-minute increments. Press the green button to complete your transaction. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR CARD UNTIL THE DISPLAY TELLS YOU TO DO SO.The SmartMeter will print a receipt for you. There is no transaction fee. The SmartMeter will remove the appropriate value from your Smart card total.
Why should I use a SmartMeter parking card instead of my credit card?
A Smart card is a great way to budget your parking expenses or those of your employees. It works like cash, so there is no need to worry about needing a reminder of what you spent, and you don’t have to review a checking account or banking statement at the end of the month.
Does the card expire?
No.
What happens if my smart card gets lost or stolen?
Smart cards are like cash so you need to protect them as you would your cash.
