A new app called Park Duluth, which better enables users to pay for parking from their smart device, was launched today. The app was created through a partnership between the city of Duluth and the UMD Transportation and Parking Services office. Park Duluth was created by Passport, the global parking technology leader that powers parking apps in large cities like Boston, Toronto, Chicago and Detroit.

Associate Director of Student Life Operations Lisa Norr played a major role in the Park Duluth app development process.

“We have been researching what company to go with for almost three years,” Norr said. “I’m so excited.”

The app is compatible with all digital meters citywide, including the ones located on campus.

“Even though we have less meters here on campus than the city does, I think traditional college students are probably going to be the big users,” Norr said. “Especially with the shortage of parking right now.”

Features of the Park Duluth app include notifications that let users know when their session is about to expire, extended sessions thanks to mobile pay, parking payment history and secure pay. This app virtually eliminates the need for loose change.

“Once people get the app on their phone and they use it once to make a payment, everything is so sweet and simple,” Norr said.

Once users pay with Park Duluth, the zone and space information that is entered is immediately sent to the parking enforcement’s monitoring system. The user’s payment will also be reflected on all UMD meters.

“One of the cool things about [the app] is that it does integrate with our specific meters,” Norr said. “When they add money from their phone it will reflect it on the meter that the time has been added, so the light will change accordingly.”

Once signed up, the user’s credit card becomes encrypted and is never displayed during a transaction, so their information is safe and secure. If app users wish to see a receipt they have to open “Parker History” in the side menu located in the app or visit the Park Duluth website.

“I think it’s going to be a big hit.” Norr said