Next week, the City of Hoboken will begin the installation of new, state-of-the-art parking technology in municipal parking garages. The new system will create easier access to garages for all customers, improve account management for monthly users, and assist residents and visitors with live, real-time counts of available parking spaces. The system’s improved technology will streamline the parking experience for users with the following upgrades:
License plate recognition cameras: License plates will now serve as the driver’s permit and access device.
Parking guidance system: The garages will track utilization and parking space occupancy in real-time, letting drivers know how many parking spaces are always available.
New online account portal: Permit holders can conveniently make monthly payments by credit or debit card, set up autopay, update account information, and more with a new online account portal.
E-merchant validation system: A new online-based merchant validation system will streamline the ability for merchants to purchase, activate, and track discount parking validations for their customers.
Compatibility with popular parking reservation platforms: The new parking access system will be compatible with parking reservation services, such as ParkWhiz and Spot Hero, which will allow customers to reserve a parking space in a municipal garage before ever leaving home.
“For the first time since 2001, Hoboken is modernizing our municipal garages to improve the customer experience for both residents and patrons of businesses,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “These upgrades will also help our local merchants as they continue their COVID-19 recovery efforts. Thank you to Director Sharp and his staff for their continued efforts at modernizing our parking facilities.”
“The Hoboken Business Alliance is excited about the new parking technology in City garages,” said Stuart Koperweis, Executive Director of the Hoboken Business Alliance. “These upgrades will enhance the ability for customers of local businesses to visit and enjoy our mile square city, and improve the parking experience for everyone.”
As each vehicle enters a garage, a license plate recognition camera will scan each vehicle’s license plate, granting access to monthly permit parkers and registering entrance times for daily parkers. Monthly parkers with multiple vehicles may add multiple license plates per account but only one vehicle per account will be allowed inside of the garage at a time. If a permit holder changes their license plate, they will be required to update the license plate number in their online account or contact the Hoboken Parking Utility garage office at 201-653-7333.
The new RedStorm Parking Guidance System will notify drivers of real-time parking spot availability through a digital sign displayed at the entrance of each garage. Parking availability information will also be accessible through the City's website.
It will take one-to-two weeks to install the new equipment in each garage, starting with Garage G (315 Hudson Street) during the week of August 10. Installation in Garage D (215 Hudson Street) is scheduled to begin the week of August 24, Garage B (28 2nd Street) for the week of September 7, and Midtown (371 4th Street) for the week of September 21.
Permit holders will need to re-verify their license plate and contact information prior to the install date for each garage. Automatic payments in the new system will begin on September 1 for Garage G and D parkers and on October 1 for Midtown and B parkers. Instructions and details from the Hoboken Parking Utility regarding verification and online account setup will be provided on the City’s website and sent via email. Monthly customers will receive an email with login instructions for the new online account and future payments must be made through the new online portal or by check.
For more information please visit www.hobokennj.gov/resources/garage-improvements or call the Hoboken Parking Utility garage office at (201) 653-7333.
