Paid parking is just around the corner

Paid parking on the Transperth network comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1.

The fee for bays has been set at $2 a day, or part day.

PTA spokesman David Hynes said Transperth would introduce a new cashless and ticketless system called SmartParker in time for the change.

“To access SmartParker, passengers will need to link their vehicle registration plate with their SmartRider card,” Mr Hynes said.

“This can be done in the My Account section of the new Transperth website.

“This will mean that passengers can park their cars, motorbikes or scooters, swipe their cards on the machine and then head straight to the station without having to display a ticket on their dash.

“Note that you still have to tag on to the bus or train.

“SmartParker means no waiting for someone to search through their pockets for spare change and delay their fellow commuters.

“Parking attendants will then be able to use license plate recognition software to check if parking has been paid for.”

At most stations passengers will still be able to purchase a ticket using cash but they will need to wait for a printed ticket and return to their car to display it.

This week Transperth will launch an extensive campaign to educate passengers about how to use the system.

Cars, motorcycles and scooters will be subject to the flat fee of $2 between the hours of 5am and 9pm, Monday to Friday. Parking on weekends and public holidays is free. Passengers who park for less than a full day are still required to pay $2.

People entitled to free travel, including seniors and carers, will also need to pay for parking, though the free travel is not affected.

“A maximum of three vehicles can be attached to each account,” Mr Hynes said.

“However, only one vehicle can be active on the account at any time, so, if you change cars, be sure to switch your active vehicle online, or by calling the Transperth InfoLine on 13 62 13 before tagging on to avoid a fine.

“After using SmartParker, you must then tag on to a Transperth bus or train or you will not be able to swipe into SmartParker the next time you park.

“This is our way of ensuring that Transperth parking bays are kept available for Transperth passengers,” he said.

Visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au or call the InfoLine on 13 62 13 for more information.