SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Mayor Gary McCarthy announced the City of Schenectady will introduce 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. However, Mayor McCarthy noted, on-street parking payments currently remain suspended in the City of Schenectady by Local Emergency Order due to COVID-19.
“All on-street parking payments remain suspended in the City of Schenectady, however we are encouraging residents and visitors during this time who utilize downtown parking to download the free Passport parking app during this transition phase,” Mayor McCarthy said. “This new feature will be an element of convenience we are adding to downtown that will allow users the ability to remotely manage parking from their smart phone.”
In March, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority also announced the introduction of Passport Parking in two downtown lots, the Franklin and Liberty lot near City Hall and the Clinton South lot behind Proctors. Metroplex owns and manages 13 surface lots and the downtown parking garage, offering convenient parking to downtown visitors and employees.
The City is partnering with Metroplex and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. (DSIC) to encourage residents and visitors to download the Passport Parking app. There will be a soft roll-out of Passport and educational period before the City resumes full enforcement of on-street payment, Mayor McCarthy added.
“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.”
Additional information on the introduction of Passport Parking, including a video on how to use the app, will be made available at www.parkschenectady.com. Download the free app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android devices).