Huntington is revolutionizing the way Huntington residents can pay for parking meters through a partnership with the Parkmobile mobile application. The new service became available Monday.

“The app makes paying for a spot a lot more convenient,” Nick Whitmore, junior nursing major and life-long resident of Huntington, said.

To use the new system, users must first download the app and register their information. Mobile app users may also choose to receive alerts and reminders prior to their parking session expiring.

The parking rate in the city is not going up, but a 40 cents convenience fee is collected by Parkmobile, in addition to the parking meter charge.

All of the city’s 1,300 coin meters along public streets, in the public parking garage on 3rd Avenue and 8th Street and at public parking lots downtown are participating in the Parkmobile app, excluding private lots such as Pullman Square’s meters.

According to Huntington Communications Director Bryan Chambers, meters will not be changed besides the addition of a sticker letting people know about the Parkmobile app.

“We are excited to enter into this partnership with Parkmobile so we can offer this user-friendly pay option to our visitors in downtown Huntington,” Mayor Steve Williams said in a press release. “Parkmobile is the leading provider for on-demand and prepaid mobile payments for on- and off-street parking.”

The Parkmobile app is available for download on iPhone, Android and Windows phones or online at www.parkmobile.com.

Sebastian Morris can be contacted at [email protected].