SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Mayor Gary McCarthy announced the City of Schenectady has launched Passport Parking for on-street parking in downtown Schenectady, a mobile parking app that allows for contactless payment. For those without the mobile app, payments can also be made at kiosks located throughout downtown Schenectady.

To use the app, motorists enter their zone number and can pay and extend a parking session remotely from their mobile phone. Zone numbers are posted on signage throughout downtown Schenectady.

“This new feature will allow downtown visitors to remotely manage parking from their smartphone.” Mayor McCarthy said. “We encourage residents and visitors to download the free Passport Parking app.”

Mayor McCarthy previously issued Local Emergency Order #6 on April 17, 2020, suspending the enforcement of metered parking payments. The City announced Passport Parking in June, followed by an educational period of soft-enforcement, the Mayor noted. The Schenectady Police Department Traffic Division will implement the new system on October 1, 2020.

Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority introduced Passport Parking earlier this year in parking lots throughout downtown Schenectady. The City has now launched Passport Parking for on-street parking, and has partnered with Metroplex and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. (DSIC) to encourage residents and visitors to download the free app.

“The introduction of Passport Parking is a welcome convenience for everyone who enjoys spending time in our vibrant downtown,” said Jim Salengo, DSIC executive director. “The ability to park and visit our many popular businesses, all while adjusting time and payments directly from your smartphone, is another exciting enhancement to the ever-growing downtown experience.”

For additional information on the Passport Parking app, including an interactive zone map and an instructional video, visit www.parkschenectady.com. Download the free app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android devices).