September 16, 2016
Matt Rourke/AP
A member of the Philadelphia Parking Authority writes a ticket for an expired meter in Center City.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority is taking back some free parking privileges that Philadelphians have had for years thanks to the success of its new meter app.
Starting in October, motorists will no longer be able to park in Center City on Wednesdays and in Old City on first Fridays after 5 p.m. without paying up, Philly.com reported and the PPA wrote on its blog.
With the app meterUP, drivers can pay for parking on their phones while receiving notifications when their time is near expiration. The PPA said there have been more than 50,000 downloads since it launched last November.
The PPA will begin enforcing the new rule on Oct. 5 for the Wednesday parking and Oct. 7 for first Fridays.
"The conclusion of these promotions is intended to increase parking opportunities for those shopping and dining in the city, and in light of the increased flexibility afforded by the meterUP app," the PPA wrote. "In addition, the PPA has increased time limits in the evening on most Center City blocks allowing enough time for people participating in nighttime activities without being rushed to get back to move their car."
