Cashless parking meters could cause problems for seniors in downtown CR

I recently had my first experience with the “new” parking meter system. Thanks so much to whomever came up with this idea. Obviously saves manpower for emptying meters, however I see absolutely no other benefit. Then again, if I pay for an hour and leave in 1/2 hour and another car pulls into my space, there is of course the benefit of the city getting extra money.

I am 72, own a cellphone and admittedly am not the most savvy user of technology. This was a joke. I had to load an app, create a password, pull out a credit or debit card, and double-check my license plate number to complete the transaction.

A lot of seniors may not have a phone or be able to figure out the steps involved to use it. This will certainly discourage patrons from heading downtown for the little retail or restaurant business that exists. I am not certain, but I think a parking ticket is $10 or $15…. a hefty price to pay for parking in CR. I feel sorry for the business owners who are likely losing business.

I admit I am older, and don’t embrace change a lot, but at least in the “old” days I would at have some change in my wallet to plug the meter!

OK …. time for the rebuttals about how much money the city is saving, so tell me where the extra money is going.

Debbie Hoopes

Cedar Rapids