The train station parking lot near me switched to using Metropolis for app-based parking. It's garbage.

Are you running late for the train and need to pay after boarding the train? Nope, not possible. The old app let you do this.

Is it raining and you'd rather pay while inside your car before running to the (covered) train platform, instead of standing at the (uncovered) sign with the QR code and waiting for it to succeed? Nope, not possible. The old app let you do this.

What happens if you parked at the train station yesterday and scan the QR code? Well, the app pops up and shows you your receipt from yesterday. You cannot pay for parking unless you close the app and rescan the QR code. The old app did not have this problem.

>People will now drive their vehicles into either the Market Street or Water Street parking garage without taking a receipt. Someone from the car must scan a QR code with a phone and then enter the license plate number, a phone number, and a method of payment. Metropolis will then debit an account on record when the vehicle leaves.

The first hour of parking remains free and the rate of $1 every half hour has not increased. According to the city website, downtown businesses can still validate parking by offering another QR code for people to scan.

There is no information on the city’s website about how the data Metropolis collects is used, but there is a phone number and an email address for those who are curious.

The Metropolis website clearly states that anyone using its service has provided consent to the company to gather information, including vehicle types, what kind of devices scan the QR codes, biometric information of passengers, and many other categories that might be sold to advertisers. Metropolis will not delete the data.

“We may keep personal information for as long as necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was collected, our business needs, and any other purpose permitted under law,” reads the privacy page.

There is no alternative or backup system to anyone who doesn’t want to give their information to Metropolis.

“We offer [around] 1,000 free parking spots in the city,” says Schneider. “No one is required to use our parking garages.”

license plate readers for garage parking been a thing around the world for 15 years or more.

always amazed me that it doesn't exist in usa. this and tire inflators at gas stations that allow you to dial in pressure