Red Bank Parking Kiosks Come with Learning Curve for Some

Ultimately, the new electronic parking kiosks scattered through a couple of lots downtown should make it easier to pay for parking in Red Bank. For now, though, a little help is needed.

The were installed last week and turned on Monday. To help ease the transition from coin meters to these all-purpose payment systems, the borough has hired a number of part time employees to help teach people the system for the next couple of weeks. 

Turns out it was a good idea.

In the first three days of operation, attendants have found plenty of confusion among those new to the system. Though the kiosks have instructions, the additional step of typing in your parking space number, paying with either coins, bills, or credit card, typing in your cell phone number to have the kiosk text you if your meter is running low, and having your ticket print out is a bit much for some.

John Durante, a pastor at Jersey Shore Calvary Chapel in Point Pleasant Beach, is one of the part timers helping out during the transition. Most people understand the new system, he said, though there have been questions on occasion. Most of it has to do with what many see as an advantage of the system, being able to pay by cell phone.

Some seniors have found the new system difficult, too, though attendants like Durante have been able to help them along.

Reportedly, Clearview Cinemas had to delay a movie 15 minutes Tuesday afternoon to accommodate a large group of senior citizens who were stuck trying to figure out the parking system at the same time.

Some other complaints concern the parking cards that Red Bank sold for use in their coin meters. Though they're are still accepted by the new kiosks, users will find that they no longer have the ability to pay for their exact time. Like everyone else, card holders will have to pay by the half hour.

Next time you're parking in Red Bank and need to pay by kiosk, keep a look out for the folks in neon green vests. For the next two weeks they'll be there to help.