MeterUP is Philadelphia’s official mobile app for paying for street and kiosk parking, offering a fast and cashless way to park anywhere in the city. By downloading MeterUP, drivers can pay for parking curbside or in municipal lots using their smartphones—eliminating the need for coins, cards, or waiting at kiosks. This article examines how MeterUP works, its major benefits, details locations, and provides practical steps for using the app and understanding city parking zones and rules.
What Is MeterUP?
MeterUP is the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s city-wide mobile parking payment system, powered by ParkMobile. Available for iOS and Android, MeterUP lets any driver pay for parking, extend sessions, and get reminders about expiration, all from their mobile device. It is designed to make street parking more flexible for visitors and residents, especially in busy neighborhoods and commercial zones.
MeterUP is available for download from the official MeterUP website, the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android.
How to Use MeterUP
Using MeterUP is simple:
- Download and install the app from your device’s store, or visit the MeterUP official site to sign up.
- Create an account using your email, vehicle license plate, and payment method (credit/debit, PayPal, or ParkMobile Wallet).
- Find parking in a MeterUP zone—you’ll see clear MeterUP signs or kiosk stickers listing your zone number.
- Open the app, enter the parking zone number, select the time duration, and confirm payment.
- Monitor or extend your session remotely through the app, or get expiration alerts.
Benefits of MeterUP
- Pay and Extend Remotely: No need to return to a kiosk or meter; add time wherever you are.
- Reminders and Expiration Alerts: The app sends you notifications before your parking runs out, so you don’t get ticketed.
- Cashless and Secure: MeterUP supports encrypted payment methods for convenience and safety.
- Prepayment for Early Parkers: Allows you to pay even before paid parking goes into effect for stress-free morning errands.
- Disability Parking: MeterUP integrates with city rules, so disabled placard holders can claim free time as required by law.
Philadelphia Parking Zones and Kiosks
MeterUP is accepted city-wide at thousands of coin meters and nearly 1,000 street kiosk pay stations. Each block or parking area in Philadelphia has a unique MeterUP zone number, visible on signs and kiosks. It’s important to enter the zone number corresponding to the correct side of the street or area where your car is parked.
Streets with MeterUP-Enabled Kiosks
Common streets with parking kiosks and MeterUP signage in Center City and nearby areas include:
- 15th and Chestnut
- 20th & Walnut
- 711 Chestnut
- Broad & Spruce (Kimmel Center)
- 9th and Arch
- 13th & Locust
- 21st and Ludlow
- 23rd & Market
- 24 South Front Street
- Race Street (multiple sections)
- Callowhill Street (between 13th and 14th)
- 2nd Street (multiple blocks)
- Fairmount Ave (near the Parkway) and many more throughout the city.
Nearly every major commercial corridor in Philadelphia’s core and surrounding neighborhoods has MeterUP zones—users can check for zone numbers directly on posted signs, kiosks, or meters at their parking spot.
Rules and Practical Tips for Paying and Parking
- Payments can be made for durations up to the posted maximum—if you need more time, MeterUP lets you extend (but city rules may double/triple rates after original limits).
- MeterUP charges a small convenience fee (typically $0.40 per transaction).
- Street parking is free on most city holidays and Sundays, but always check signage for exceptions, street cleaning, and permit requirements.
- Time limits and rates vary by zone—MeterUP will only let you pay for the maximum allowed in each area and prohibits repeated extensions beyond 3 consecutive limits.
- Parking Enforcement Officers verify payment using your license plate, so always enter your details correctly.
- If MeterUP or your phone isn’t working, payment must be made at a kiosk, not avoided.
Getting the MeterUP App
To get started with mobile parking across Philadelphia:
- Download the MeterUP app or sign up online:
Links throughout the app and website offer step-by-step instructions for account setup, payment security, and zone lookup. Customer service help is available within the app and via toll-free number 1-877-727-5303.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Parking with MeterUP
MeterUP has transformed how Philadelphians park by making payment fast, cashless, and less stressful. Whether at a busy Center City block or a neighborhood shopping street, the app gives drivers peace of mind through reminders, easy payment options, and remote time extensions. Knowing where to find kiosks (and how zones work) makes it almost impossible to get an unwanted parking ticket—or to struggle with quarters at the last minute.
Make the most of your time—and money—by downloading MeterUP for all future trips and errands in Philadelphia’s vibrant neighborhoods. Visit the MeterUP website to get started, or look for official download buttons in any app store. Safe parking!