In August the City of Ocala implemented a new pay-by-phone parking service in Downtown. Visitors to Downtown are now able to conduct their parking transactions by mobile phone.

The service is called "PassPort Parking" and is offered through an agreement with PassPort Parking, LLC. Interested customers may register for free by downloading the "PassPort Parking Mobile Pay" app from their smart phone or by calling 352-658-0670 from their regular mobile phone to register through a voice system.

Once securely registered, customers can pay for parking using the mobile app, calling a toll free number or texting their zone, space and amount of time information. Customers can select an option to receive text message alerts and reminders 15 minutes prior to the expiration of their parking session. Additionally, parking sessions can be extended directly from the phone, alleviating the need to return to the meter.

"PassPort Parking is the latest technology-based service being offered by the city," said Manager of Code Compliance Chip Rich. "This innovative, low-cost, effective system will provide our residents and visitors excellent customer service and will enhance their Downtown Ocala experience."

"We are thrilled to launch our mobile payment solution in my hometown of Ocala, Florida," said Khristian Gutierrez, COO of PassPort Parking, LLC. "We believe this is a testament to Ocala's continued push to be at the forefront of technology."

For additional information, contact the city of Ocala's Parking Enforcement Office at 629-8309.