Shepherdstown looks to lead the way in innovative problem-solving with the launch of the ‘Parkmobile’ meter payment system.

At Tuesday evening’s Town Council meeting, member David Rosen, who spearheaded the project, explained that Shepherdstown’s 274 parking meters will be the first in West Virginia to use the Parkmobile technology.

Rosen first announced the ‘Parkmobile’ proposal at a Town Council meeting in December during a discussion of the various ways the town could improve the parking experience for residents and guests.

After getting approval for the plan, Rosen and ‘Parkmobile’ staff moved forward with the pilot program.

Last Friday Shepherdstown Police Department parking enforcement staff were trained on the new system, before its official launch Monday morning.

I think generally people are pretty excited about it, he said.

I think were having some change management issues. I think thats expected with any new technology, he went on to say.

Police Chief David Ransom called it an “educational process,” for both staff and users.

‘Parkmobile’ makes it possible to pay for metered spots via credit/debit card or pay pal through use of the app on a cell phone.

A sticker, indicating the ‘parking zone,’ now marks each meter downtown, along with a QR code directing users to the smart phone app.

Rosen said the system would provide the advantage of letting users ‘feed the meter,’ remotely via their phones, no matter where they may be in town of on Shepherd University’s Campus.

It would also provide pop up alerts letting users know when their meter time is nearing expiration, should they set up that service.

To use Parkmobile, register for free at www.parkmobile.com.

Customers can use the mobile app, the internet, or call toll free to pay for parking.

After downloading the app , user are instructed to set up an account to include vehicle and payment information.

After initial set up, user may immediately start using the system for any registered vehicles.

Mayor Auxer said the town is processing feedback from users during the first week and reviews are good.

Customers can use ‘Parkmobile’ at any metered parking spot to pay up to the allotted time for that meter. Motorists can still pay for parking traditionally with coin deposits.

More information about ‘Parkmobile,’ can be found at www.parkmobile.com.