top of page

Parking is Now High Tech

admin24048

Updated: Oct 24, 2024


Parking downtown used to mean digging for change after finding the perfect spot. Now with the new system you can pay on your phone! There have been some hiccups with the roll out and at least a few times a week we still hear grumbles about how annoying the app is or how the pay station on our block is too far away, but people are coming around to the new system. Our customer service has expanded this year to include parking app assistance! We have helped get clients get set on the app and the QR code process. We try to alleviate the frustration by guiding them through the process and/or nodding sympathetically while the reluctant ones vent a bit. For the ones dead set against the whole process we do intake on the phone and then run to the curb to grab the machine!



woman using the parking app


App, Tap or Hike (to the Pay Station)


Whether you use the HotSpot app, a FastTap Sign or you hike to a Pay Station you still need the same info to get parking! Your License Plate number, the Zone number and amount of time you want to park.


If you use the Pay Stations you can avoid the Parking App and QR Code Signs as long as you have a loonie in your pocket! No change? You can pay with a credit card. Find a Pay Station and follow the step by step directions on the screen to pay for parking.


The HotSpot app needs installed and set up on a smart phone. After that it is a couple quick steps to get the parking paid each time. Start by choosing the vehicle, enter the 4 digit zone number from a nearby sign (signs are up and down each block). The zone numbers are different for each block so be sure to use the correct one! Choose the amount of time you want to park. Don't forget to push the "Park" button at the bottom of the page to activate the parking session. Once it is active a timer countdown will show. When you go about your downtown business or have lunch you can add more time to your session if you end up taking longer than expected. No more trying to rush back to save a meter! If you have time remaining, you can stop the active parking session and get a refund for any time still on the countdown.


The Fast Tap Signs are around the downtown area. It is recommended that you use the camera on your phone rather than a third party app to scan the QR code. Apple products will recognize a QR code by pointing the camera at the QR Code. If using an Android phone use the Google Lens App. Line the QR code up with the square on the screen and then push button as if taking a picture to activate the link. Once the QR code is scanned it will offer you the link to connect to the HotSpot website where you can enter your details, license plate, the zone number and payment information. You can choose the amount of time you want to park but parking initiated through a Fast Tap session cannot be extended or refunded. If you need more time you would have to return to the block you are parked on and scan the closest Fast Tap QR code again Be sure its the correct zone number.

Fast Tap Sign

Android Google Lens App
Apple Google App


Other Tips

If you use one of the Pay Stations be sure that you know the license plate for the vehicle before making the trek over there so that you are prepared for the prompt and don't end up hiking back to take a picture of your plate! You can pay at the Pay Stations by either credit card or coins. The machine will spit out a receipt but you do not have to display it. The Pay Stations are so spread out that they are not very convenient for most people and they tend to be one of the biggest complaints but if your phone is not charged or you don't want to link payment info to your phone this is the option to choose,


When using the either the app or tap option be sure to disconnect from any public wi-fi connections first. There is a good chance they are not secure. Use your phone data when dealing with sensitive information like credit cards!


You can get the HotSpot Parking app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play Store. The parking app itself is free so if you are asked for a payment it is not the correct one! You can set it up at home using your Apple ID, Chrome Account or email before heading downtown or to Red Deer.


Add money to the app from your bank or credit card while you are on secure wi-fi access at home. Leave a small balance in the HotSpot app, then when you are in public you are not accessing your bank or credit card accounts directly. You will then use the balance in your HotSpot app. You can reload money to the app as needed.


The app can be used with multiple vehicles, allowing you to switch between vehicles easily. You will not need an app for each vehicle.


If you need assistance setting up or using the app we are happy to help.


Helpful Computer Dude Icon






13 views0 comments

Comments


- Computer Maintenance & Updates

- Windows & Apple Services Available

- Screen, Keyboard, Fan Replacement

- Data Recovery

- Computer Upgrades

- Custom Builds

- Battery Replacement

- New computer set up with Data Transfer

- see our Services page for more details

Opening Hours

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

9am - 5pm

9am - 5pm

9am - 5pm

9am - 5pm

9am - 5pm

By Appt

Closed

Contact Us

107, 4781 49th Street

Red Deer, AB T4N 1T6

​

Tel: 403-309-2405
support@servicereddeer.com

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
bottom of page