How To Pay With Kiosks

Philadelphia’s parking system has undergone a dramatic evolution, transforming from rows of coin-operated meters to advanced solar-powered kiosks and mobile payment solutions. Today’s pay-by-plate parking kiosks combine convenience and efficiency, serving drivers across the city and redefining how parking is managed and paid for. This article explores the fascinating history of parking meters in Philadelphia, describes the features and operation of modern parking kiosks, and explains how drivers can pay for parking—either at kiosks or with the acclaimed MeterUP mobile app.

The History of Parking Meters in Philadelphia

Parking meters have punctuated Philadelphia’s streets since the mid-20th century. The city first installed single-space, mechanical coin-operated meters as a tool for curbing traffic congestion and managing street parking in busy districts. These familiar meters—steel posts topped with a coin slot and dial—appeared on sidewalks from Center City to University City.

By the late 2000s, technological advances prompted the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) to replace aging single-space meters with electronic kiosks, often called multi-space meters. These kiosks allowed for payment by coins, bills, or credit card, and printed receipts that had to be displayed on dashboards. While more cost-effective and visually streamlined than their predecessors, the early kiosks eventually required replacement as their components aged and wear accumulated from a decade of heavy use.

The Shift to Solar-Powered Kiosks

A major upgrade was announced in 2019 when Philadelphia joined other cities in rolling out solar-powered, pay-by-plate kiosks. Modern kiosks are now omnipresent downtown, in University City, and across commercial corridors. The PPA began installing these next-generation machines to replace more than 1,000 existing kiosks and 8,000 single-space meters—some dating as far back as the 1960s.

Powered by solar cells, these kiosks require no direct electrical connections, reducing installation and maintenance costs. Each device serves an entire block or cluster of spaces, freeing up valuable sidewalk space and making Philadelphia’s streetscapes cleaner, greener, and more walkable.

Features of Today’s Parking Kiosks

Philadelphia’s current kiosks offer a high-tech, user-friendly experience:

Pay-by-Plate Functionality: Drivers input their license plate number and parking zone code, eliminating the need for dashboard receipts. Payment is recorded electronically and verified by enforcement officers using handheld devices.
Solar Power: Kiosks operate independently of the grid, harnessing sunlight for all functions. This eco-friendly approach ensures reliable service across seasons.
Color Touchscreens: Modern kiosks feature full-color, nine-inch touchscreens, available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Flexible Payment Options: Accepts coins, major credit cards, and in some cases, bills. Drivers can choose to print a receipt, receive a text, or skip printing entirely.
Accessible Across the City: With approximately 2,000 kiosks installed, drivers can pay at any device, provided they enter their correct license plate and zone number.

How to Pay with Kiosks in Philadelphia

Park and Note Your Zone: Each block’s signage shows the unique parking zone number.
Approach Any Kiosk: Kiosks are usually located mid-block, near intersections, or at parking lots.
Enter Your License Plate and Zone: Use the touchscreen to type in your plate and zone.
Select Your Time and Payment Option: Decide on your desired parking duration and pay using coins, credit cards, or bills.
Receipt Options: Print out a receipt for your records, have it texted to your phone, or skip printing entirely. There’s no need for a dashboard receipt anymore—your plate number holds proof of payment digitally.

Parking enforcement officers check plates electronically, verifying paid sessions instantly. It is critical to input both plate and zone numbers correctly; mistakes can result in unintended tickets.

An Alternative: Pay by Mobile with the MeterUP App

For even greater convenience and flexibility, drivers can use the MeterUP app—Philadelphia’s official mobile payment solution. MeterUP allows drivers to pay for parking, manage and extend sessions remotely, and receive alerts when parking is about to expire.

Download the MeterUP app for iOS or Android
Visit the official MeterUP website for account setup and instructions
Enter your zone number and license plate into the app, just as you would at a kiosk

Whether paying with a kiosk or your phone, use the same zone and license plate to ensure smooth enforcement and avoid fines.

Solar-Powered Kiosk Locations and Technology

The city continues to expand kiosk coverage, focusing on high-demand streets and busy neighborhoods. Notable locations with solar kiosks and heavy parking turnover include Arch Street, Broad Street, Chestnut Street, Walnut Street, and major commercial avenues and arterial corridors in Center City and University City.

These kiosks not only help cut operational costs—they add resiliency during outages and minimize environmental impact. The Philadelphia Parking Authority expects ongoing expansion, with over 2,000 pay-by-plate kiosks already functioning throughout the city.

Best Practices and Practical Tips

Always double-check your license plate and zone before paying—mistakes mean tickets.
Use any kiosk in Philadelphia; location does not restrict payment as long as plate and zone are entered correctly.
Receipts are optional. If you need proof, choose print or text. Otherwise, rely on digital records linked to your plate.
If a kiosk is broken, pay at a nearby alternative or use the MeterUP app.
Coins and cards accepted; keep in mind transaction fees or minimums may apply to card payments.

Why Philadelphia’s Parking System Is a Model

The transition from mechanical and electronic meters to solar-powered, pay-by-plate kiosks shows Philadelphia’s commitment to modernization and sustainability. These improvements have cut clutter, reduced the need for paper, expanded payment options, and supported accessibility in multiple languages. As the MeterUP app gains popularity, fewer residents need to visit kiosks directly—saving time, streamlining payments, and minimizing frustration.

For the most up-to-date guidance on parking rates, zones, and accepted payments, visit the official Philadelphia Parking Authority site or the MeterUP website.

Download MeterUP for Easy Mobile Parking

Parking in Philadelphia has never been easier. Enjoy the full benefits of seamless payment and advanced parking management by downloading the MeterUP app today:

Next time you visit Philadelphia—from the Parkway to Old City—take advantage of eco-friendly solar-powered kiosks or pay right from your phone, stress-free.