After nearly a year’s delay, the Columbus Department of Public Service will begin installing the first batch of “Smart Meters” on Monday, according to a story released today on 10tv.com.
These new meters will accept all major credit cards, and will roll out first where meter usage is heaviest, including Gay Street, The Short North, the Arena District, the Brewery District, around the North Market, and on Grandview Avenue. Around 1,000 new smart meters are expected to be installed throughout 2011.
These meter updates have been brought to you by a collaborative effort of the Parking Meter Advisory Team, which spent several months in early 2010 meeting and reviewing data after the initial 50% rate hike imposed in 2009 caused a wave of public outcry. The recent parking meter rate changes are being utilized to fund reserve bonds for the new Convention Center Hotel in addition to funding the installation of the new smart meters.