Valley Stream debuts parking app for trial run

Beginning in May, commuters who use Parking Fields 19 and 31 were able to download a new app to pay for parking using their mobile phones.

The app, Whoosh, is being tested in the two lots on a trial basis to test the community’s interest in the feature, which officials say speeds up the payment process.

“It’s mostly where you have to pay for parking — the majority of our lots you don’t have to pay,”said Buildings Superintendent Tom McAleer.

According to the company website, the app prompts you to enter your credit card information, which is then stored so you don’t have to re-enter it. You’ll pay the standard parking fee charged by the village plus an additional convenience fee for use of the service — the total of which requires confirmation before payment is completed.

“It makes it easier for you to pay for the meter,” he said. “Instead of going to the meter you can download the app, and you can pay as you’re walking to the train.”

McAleer said the village didn’t currently have access to data regarding the number of users, but that more could be added in the future if there was demonstrated interest.

“From what we hear from our technicians out in the field, everybody likes it,” he said.