STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Need to feed the meter? Don’t go digging for quarters; just use your phone.

To minimize the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is encouraging all drivers to conduct contactless payments at the city’s 14,000-plus parking meters using one of two smartphone apps.

“DOT is asking all New Yorkers who can to switch to Pay-By-Cell, which will reduce the need for physical cash transactions at our 14,000 parking meters. Contactless Pay-By-Cell reduces exposure risk for the public and our workforce,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Please help us reduce the need to physically service parking meters and collect, sanitize and securely store cash during this crisis.”

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Those who routinely pay the meters with their phone can continue to use the ParkNYC app, which launched in December 2016 and allows drivers to use a pay-as-you-go model once an initial $25 has been deposited into the app wallet.

Pay-By-Cell newbies who are uninterested in depositing $25 can use the ParkMobile app, which allows for single transactions with a 15-cent per transaction service fee.

To use either app, drivers simply input their license plate number and payment information alongside the parking zone numbers, which can be found on Muni-Meter decals and under parking signage.

“While meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards, we encourage all customers to consider their own safety and the safety of our workers — and opt for mobile payments,” according to the DOT.

While some have urged the city to suspend parking meters during the coronavirus pandemic, the DOT explained that the meters support local businesses and promote public safety.

“New York City’s parking meters remain in effect to encourage curb turnover, which supports deliveries and essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and medical providers. The availability of parking meters also discourages double parking, which enhances safety,” the agency said.