DETROIT (WWJ/AP) – Detroit is launching a mobile app as part of an effort to improve its parking system.

The “ParkDetroit” app is being launched on Tuesday. It acts as a virtual on-street parking system, allowing drivers to pay for parking without having to go to a meter, using a credit or debit card that’s tied to the user’s account. It also sends mobile alerts 10 minutes prior to time expiring and allows drivers to extend their parking time remotely.

It’s all part of a new parking system that uses technology tied to license plates in an effort to improve enforcement efficiency and increase options for payment.

Depending on where you park, hourly rates in most locations where ParkDetroit is available range from $1 to $2 per hour. A 15-cent convenience fee will be applied to each transaction made with the app.

Hundreds of “pay-by-plate” parking kiosks are being installed across the city. The technology allows drivers to access a kiosk, enter in their license plate number and park in any space within a specific zone. Coins, credit cards or debit cards may be used for payment at kiosks and parking time may be purchased via mobile app or by phone.

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Once completed, Detroit’s system is expected to include 300 meter kiosk pay stations to control about 3,000 parking spaces. City officials say it will be “the most comprehensive on-street parking system in the country” when finished.

For more information, visit www.ParkDetroit.us.

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