Warriner Hall parking lot converted into a Pango-only parking
Parking lot 9, located north of Warriner Hall — once filled with quarter-eating meters — can now be used for parking at the simple touch of an app.
With the exception of a few signed and handicap parking spaces, Lot 9 was converted to Pango at the beginning of the semester.
Commuters still have to pay for parking, but rather than using coins, they can use the free Pango app on their smartphones. To begin paying with Pango, users must add their credit card information and license plate number.
Traditional meters require a quarter-per-half-hour rate, which can easily lead to under, or overpaying. However, Pango uses a timer system and charges customers for the exact time they were parked.
The app also shows how much users have spent on parking each month, and sends them an activation and deactivation text — in place of a receipt.
Along with the rate of about 2 cents per minute there is also a 15 cents “convenience fee." Pango does make money off the university using their system.
Central Michigan University has been using the Pango option on standard meters since August 2015. Since then, the amount of revenue through Pango has gone up, while coin revenue from meters has gone down, said CMUPD Capt. Fred Harris.
Harris said the meters in Lot 9 needed updating, and rather than replace the 41 meters for roughly $10,000, he decided to take out the quarter-powered meters altogether and convert to a Pango-only lot. The fact that he has received nothing but positive feedback from students he has talked to played a factor in his decision.
As for Parking Services, who checks the parking lots on campus each day and administers tickets, it only takes an iPad to check if someone has paid using Pango, by confirming their license plate number.
“It makes our job a lot easier,” said Lake Orion senior Sam Schomburg, who works for Parking Services. "With the app we can see on our iPads which license plates are registered with the lot, and once they stop paying, they go away on the iPad."
While Pango eliminates overhead and maintenance fees of meters, it may not be user-friendly for visitors to campus. Harris said they plan to see how Lot 9 works out before thinking about converting any other lots.
Saginaw visitor, Jessica Fitrakis downloaded the app for the first time to park in Lot 9.
"I think it might be easier with an app," Fitrakis said. "Because I know I had to get specifically quarters to use parking meters."
For Jackson senior, Charles Capp, the switch has made little difference, since he has always used the Pango option.
"I've used Pango for forever," Capp said. "It works better because say you've got to stay in (class) for four hours. Before, if you had two classes back to back, you'd have to run out here."
A few other lots on campus feature Pango-only spots such as Lot 36, Calumet Court, and part of Lot 62, located by the Student Activity Center.
