MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Memphis is on the verge of being one step closer to installing more than a thousand new parking meters downtown.
Memphis has been losing out on millions of dollars in revenue with all the broken meters. These new meters will come with increased convenience and possibly increased cost.
"If you don't want your truck to get towed or your vehicle, you are going to pay it," said Corey Ray.
The city is currently requesting bids for new electronic meters that will accept credit cards to replace more than 1,200 current meters.
For years, the city has lost money as meters broke and people stopped paying them.
"If you don't have any change you have to run get change, run back feed the meter, by the time you get back, you have a ticket," said Mike Moore.
Mauricio Sevilla was visiting Memphis from his home near New Orleans, as he tried to escape Hurricane Isaac.
He says he's used the new meters and they are quite easy.
"Instead of getting pennies or quarters or whatever, you just put [your credit card] in and out. And there you have it," said Sevilla.
A recent study found Memphis has some of the cheapest parking in the nation. Consultants recommended the city raise rates from $1/hour to $1.50 to $2/hour.
After the city receives bids, it will select a vender with hopes of getting the new meters out as soon as possible.
