Downtown Parking

New Smart Parking Meters Being Installed in Downtown Riverside

The City is installing new smart parking pay stations, also referred to as smart meters or meter kiosks.  These new pay stations will offer additional payment options including touchless payments using Apple and Google Pay, credit card, ParkMobile, dollars, and coins. 

The City issued a Request for Proposals for new Paystations and it was awarded to IPS Group in April 2020.  You may see some construction activity in the downtown and in our parking lots in the coming weeks through the end of December 2020. 

What is happening?

The City purchased the pay stations at the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic and originally intended to install them by the end of the summer.  COVID-19 changed that timeline, but it was felt that it was still prudent to do the installation now, especially with a minimized Festival of Lights.  Activation of the new paystations will be completed by January 2021.

What disruption can I expect?

Because the crew will need space to work on specific areas at a time, the installer may need to rope off sidewalks and affected parking spaces. The goal will be to rope off only as much as can be completed in a day and not to keep any area roped off longer than absolutely necessary.  Disruption to outdoor seating or flex spaces where there is a pay station nearby will be taken into consideration.  The City will inform affected businesses a week in advance so that furniture can be removed, if needed. 

When will I need to start paying?  How much?

The meters were installed and functional before the end of December 2020. However, the programming and testing has taken a little longer than expected. Therefore, the meters will not be enforced until the project is complete and all the units are fully functional. At this time, we anticipate the project to be completed by February 15, 2021 and will begin issuing warnings on February 16, 2021. However, if this is extended, the website will reflect the new timeline.

The rates will remain the same as shown below.

Who can I contact for more information?

As with all projects like this, there will be changes along the way. However, you are encouraged to check the City’s Parking website for the most up-to-date information.  

For additional information, you may contact the City’s parking operator Republic Parking at (951) 682-3167.

Curbside metered parking is available throughout Downtown Riverside.

Meter Times: Justice Center is Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. | Other Downtown Areas are Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Free Parking: Weekends, Holidays, and After 5:00 P.M. Daily

Downtown Paystation Brochure

Downtown Metered Area

$1.50 per hour

RCOE Metered Area

$1.50 per hour

Justice Center Metered Area

$2.00 per hour