KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The new downtown Knoxville parking plan has some people in the community not so thrilled with even more changes beginning this weekend.
ParkMobile is the new system that the city adopted for parking downtown. Drivers scan a QR Code or type in a code and pay for their parking via a mobile device.
When it was put into place, the city allowed for a grace period during the transition, but that grace period ended on Friday.
“I’ve heard multiple people who are older specifically that don’t want to learn a new system. Some of them have flip phones, so they can’t get the mobile app,” said Chelsea Bauer, who has worked in downtown Knoxville for over 15 years.
“They tell me they won’t come down again, which is really heartbreaking because I’ve known all of these people for a really long time, and having to say goodbye to them, it’s just too hard to get down anymore. I totally understand it,” Bauer continued.
There is a phone number that is listed on parking signs that allows drivers to call to pay. The company said to make sure to have time when calling for the first time because there may be multiple steps.
Parking garages are also an option to allow drivers to pay with cash.
“I don’t think it will affect tourism at all, but I know it will affect those who have been coming downtown and supporting small businesses for decades,” Bauer said.
For parking garages, there are changes happening there too.
Market Square Garage will begin having a flat rate of $3 on Saturdays.
