A "smart parking meter" technology that's been used in downtown Binghamton for several years is making its debut in the village of Johnson City.

Several kiosk units have been installed in recent weeks. They were wrapped in plastic until signs were erected and the system became operational.

The Johnson City kiosks are part of the Flowbird network, a system already used by the city of Binghamton and by Binghamton University.

Parking fees can be paid at the kiosks or by using the Flowbird mobile app.

A solar panel provides power to Johnson City's new parking kiosks. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A solar panel provides power to Johnson City's new parking kiosks. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The kiosks are solar-powered. They will replace the old coin-operated parking meters along Main Street and in four municipal lots.

Those parking vehicles in downtown Johnson City will enter the plate number at a kiosk or via the app. Kiosk payments can be made using cash or a credit card.

The Flowbird app can be used to make payments in areas of the village where parking meters have yet to be replaced by kiosks. More than 500 parking spaces in Johnson City will be covered by the new system.

A traditional parking meter on Main Street in Johnson City. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A traditional parking meter on Main Street in Johnson City. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Officials said parking permits may now be purchased online. Permits may be useful for resident, students, workers or others who frequently visit downtown Johnson City.

Former "hang tag" parking permits are no longer valid. Those who had valid hang tags have been automatically enrolled in the new permit system.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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