Lack of Wi-Fi could mean free parking

GALVESTON — Galveston’s solar-powered downtown parking meters have been turned on — almost.

The city threw the switch that enabled the 95 high-tech machines to accept payments Aug. 27.

The electronic meters — which operate on a wireless network — are supposed to allow drivers to pay the $1.25 per hour fee with cash, change or credit cards. The meters also are designed to allow people to pay by using their cell phones.

But the city has not yet completed its Wi-Fi negotiations with CenterPoint Energy, leaving a critical component of the meters’ capabilities out of use.

The deficiency has baffled motorists trying to park downtown for the past week. Several have found using the meters a confusing experience.

Until the Wi-Fi issue is resolved, anyone parking in one of the meters’ controlled bays without paying could get away with it, but they’re not immune from citation and could be given a ticket, a city official said Friday.

“We wanted all the meter components to go online at the same time, but it just hasn’t worked out that way,” Alicia Cahill, the city’s public information officer, said.

“So, while we’re completing our negotiations with CenterPoint Energy, we’re using the time to educate the public about the use of the meters.

“Until we resolve the Wi-Fi issue, we are more interested in educating the public than enforcing fees, so the parking ambassadors may issue warnings rather than citations, but motorists cannot expect that. They must remember that they are not immune.”

The educators in the new regime are the city’s band of “parking ambassadors” — uniformed folks once known as “wardens” who were shunned and feared by motorists but who now have a new mandate to be customer-friendly.

“They still issue citations to people who don’t pay, but now we’ve trained them to be knowledgeable about the city, its attractions and places of interest so they can also direct visitors and help them,” Cahill said.

That’s the case even if a motorist parks in a controlled bay that has no number plate attached to the curb beside it.

“Some of the number plates have been removed by vandals, but that doesn’t remove the fee,” Cahill said.

The fee is $1.25 per hour between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday in the area bounded by 20th and 25th streets and Harborside Drive and Postoffice Street. Sunday parking in the area is free.