Grand Valley State University introduced the Parkmobile Pay-by-Cell Phone application in September of 2014 for students, staff, faculty and community members looking for convenient means of parking on campus.

Though members of the GVSU community have been eagerly embracing the new and improved parking process, as expected with the introduction of a new application, there have been a few minor issues that have been noted by the parking and permits staff. 

“We have found that Grand Valley personnel have been utilizing Parkmobile and we have seen great success,” said Lisa Garringer, parking services coordinator. “However, that being said, we don’t want people to get discouraged from using the application because of minor mistakes that could result in a citation.”

The application provides a mobile payment service, including help support, so individuals can pay for parking via a smart phone app, toll free number or the web with no coins or cash needed. Parkmobile can also send reminders by text message so drivers can extend their parking time without returning to their car.

The main problem seen is an issue with license plate registration. In the application, the user has a choice to pick which license plate they have on file to use during the time they are seeking parking. However, the application will not switch license plate usage by the vehicle being driven, but will rather bring up the last license plate in use. 

Improper license plate usage on the Parkmobile application can result in a citation, and it is important to remember to switch out license plate information when driving a different vehicle to park on campus to avoid penalty.

Garringer is following up with the Parkmobile company to see if it is possible to change the current approach to license plate registration on the application and will continue to look for ways to optimize usage for the GVSU population, said Captain Brandon DeHaan of the GVSU Police department. 

It is hoped that citations can be reduced with the introduction of the Parkmobile application as well as the updates to accommodate those utilizing the new features. However, the question comes into play of where the money does go when individuals receive a parking ticket for infractions of parking regulations. The answer is simple: the general fund. 

To avoid getting these kind of citations and penalties for parking infringements, the parking and police staff at GVSU reminds those parking on campus to utilize the applications there for optimal parking, to be aware and to avoid double or triple parking – or taking up more than one space now that the lines are visible – in lots now that the snow has started melting for the winter season.

Any questions about Parkmobile or other parking questions can be directed to [email protected]/parking or to the Parking department of the GVSU Police department. 

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