Reno’s Parking Problem: City to Replace Automated Kiosks with Coin-operated Meters

The City of Reno began decommissioning parking kiosks today after two years of trying an automated pay system operated by a Reno start-up company. 

The automated parking kiosks in downtown Reno have big red and white “Out of Order” signs on them. They were supposed to have been a convenience but for people like Karen Shelton they provided nothing but frustration.

“Really upset, really mad, I kept calling the company and I just never got a response from them,” says Shelton. She says she was charged 20 dollars for a 2 dollar parking spot.

Assistant City Manager Cadence Matijevich says the city lost money too with "about an $800,000 revenue shortfall.” The city ultimately ran short on patience.

“We have heard from our residents that they are really frustrated and have been disappointed with the system and we feel the same way here at the city,” says Matijevich. 

A city staff report on the ill-fated system says only one kiosk actually worked and the city was not provided access to critical records. 

For now, Reno will turn back the clock and install 600 coin-operated meters for the most highly used spots. The city's other 600 spots will be free.