Multi-Space Parking Meters Installed on Washington St.

Although finding a spot on downtown Washington Street will still be difficult—this is Hoboken after all—at least you won't have to scramble for  quarters anymore. 

The city has installed 10 multi-space parking meters on Washington Street between Observer Highway and Eighth Street, removing the 90 single space meters that have been lining the streets there. By switching to just one meter per block, said Director of Transportation and Parking Ian Sacs, more parking spaces will be created. The new meters accept credit cards and all coins (no pennies). 

"Since there's not an exclusive amount of space per meter," Sacs said, "you'll be able to squeeze another two of three cars."

The meters are $8,500 a piece, and the city has purchased 10 (which brings the cost to a total of $85,000). Sacs said these first 10 meters were paid for with money from the Parking Utility's capital budget. 

Sacs said if the results of this first phase of implementation are successful, he plans to replace all the 965 single space meters in town. To pay for the second batch—roughly 75 more—Sacs said he will ask the City Council to bond, assuming the outcome of the new meters is positive.  

During the roll-out of this first phase, which is expected to be completed within a week, the parking utility is distributing informational flyers and warnings to drivers to inform them about the new payment system.

Another reason why Sacs is enthusiastic about the new meters is because they increase accountability. 

"The tracking is 100 times better than the old meters," said Sacs.