Saskatoon rolling out new parking meters with tap payment and touchscreens

WATCH: If you recently parked in downtown Saskatoon, you may have noticed the parking metres have changed. The city says it’s part of a long overdue upgrade.

The City of Saskatoon says it’s making much-needed upgrades to its parking meters.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from residents. Our first pay stations were installed in 2015. It’s been over 10 years, so we’re long overdue for an upgrade,” said Wayne Sum, the city’s parking services manager.

The new meters feature a touchscreen and tap payment options, allowing users to pay with debit, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Coins are still accepted, but users can no longer insert a card.

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People who spoke with CTV News say it’s an improvement.

“I think it’s a lot easier to use, and I like being able to just tap,” said Jen Schneider.

“They’re absolutely a great update, and it’s better than pushing the buttons,” said Adinderpreed Brar.

Sum says the new meters will be able to withstand Saskatoon winters.

“We were able to pilot one of the new stations on 21st Street for the past two winters here in Saskatoon. It worked flawlessly. We don’t have any concerns about that,” he said. “You can even touch the screen with gloves, and it will work perfectly.”

Replacing the meters will cost $1.78 million, which will come from the city’s parking capital reserve fund, according to Sum.