New MBTA Parking Payment Structure Takes Effect Monday

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Come Monday, July 6, the honor box payment systems and space numbers in MBTA parking lots will be no more.

A new payment structure will be in effect starting July 6, employing PayByPhone technology, which allows customers to pay using any smart phone or any internet-connected device. PayByPhone is already in use by 75 percent of parking customers in the lots where PayByPhone is available.

If customers choose not to sign up for PayByPhone, the MBTA will mail a monthly invoice to the address listed on the vehicle owner’s registration. Subsequent reminder invoices and notices of non-payment are accompanied by a fine if the invoices remain unpaid for more than thirty (30) days. Similar to All Electronic Tolling used on the Tobin Bridge, this payment system is licensed-plate-based and eliminates the need to pay for MBTA parking using cash.

Here’s what you need to know:

Methods of Payment

• Effective Monday, July 6, 2015, PayByPhone customers can make payment over the phone or using the PayByPhone app. Sign up for PayByPhone atwww.paybyphone.com. Discounted monthly permits are available at most locations.

• Payment can be made by phone at 1-866-234-7275.

• Customers not using PayByPhone will be invoiced on a monthly basis and can pay online or by check.

Parking Prices

• PayByPhone customers pay $4 to $7 depending on parking lot.

• Invoice customers pay $4.50 to $7.50 depending on parking lot.

• Discounted monthly permits are available at most locations.

Invoice Schedule Plus Fines and Penalties

• Monthly invoice: For parking transactions within the preceding thirty-day period, customers have thirty (30) days from the invoice date to make payment.

• Thirty days after the invoice: The second notice will be mailed -- each unpaid parking transaction is assessed a $21 late fine.

• Thirty days after the second notice: The third notice will be mailed -- each parking transaction not paid as of the third notice date results in a hold on the vehicle owner’s driver’s license and/or vehicle registration. The hold cannot be removed until all parking fees and fines are paid. A $20-per-ticket RMV fee is added at this time.

• Total late fines will be capped at $500 per calendar year per vehicle plus the $20-per-ticket RMV fee.

Tickets Issued Prior to July 6, 2015

• The current notice will be used for these tickets. The first notice is mailed after twenty-one (21) days from the ticket issue date, the second notice is mailed twenty-one (21) days after the first notice date, and the third notice is mailed when the ticket is marked at the RMV.

General information

• The PayByPhone payment structure applies to all parking facilities that used the honor box payment system. Garages and manned/attendant parking lots are not affected.

Questions

• Visit Parking FAQs.