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Getting Started with Text2ParkMe!

Text2ParkMe is an SMS-based parking payment system that allows users to initiate, pay for, and extend temporary parking sessions directly from their mobile devices via text message. Its primary purpose is to provide a fast, app-free alternative for transient parkers to secure parking on the go. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators to help them understand and support the end-user setup and SMS workflow.

Setup and Configuration

Before users can initiate a parking session via text, they must configure their profile and register a vehicle.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that the Text2ParkMe module is enabled and a dedicated phone number is provisioned for the organization.

User SetupSide: Users must log in to their portal account and complete a one-time setup process to link their mobile device to their payment profile.

  1. Log in to the User Portal and click Your Profile.

  2. Enter a valid mobile phone number in the Personal Information section.

  3. Scroll to the Users Settings section and locate the Parking Expiry Reminder field.

  4. Select the preferred SMS reminder timeframe (One-Timee.g., Thing!)5, 10, or 15 minutes) or select No reminder.

  5. Register a credit card and ensure the Text2ParkMe subscription is active. Detailed instructions can be found on the Manage your Payment Methods & Subscriptions page.

  6. Register the vehicle license plate in the Register the Vehicle(s) section if one is not already present on the account.

Not all parking providers support Text2ParkMe. Always confirm withEnsure your Parkingorganization providerhas the module active and properly configured before attemptingcommunicating this functionality to setyour end-users.

Using this up.

Feature

Before youAdministrators can textuse yourthe wayfollowing instructions to parking,guide thereusers arethrough navigating the SMS text prompts to purchase or extend parking.

Initiating a few quick things to set up in your OPSCOM user profile. Don't worry, you only need to do this once!

Quick Steps (User Setup):

  • If you're new, create your profile on the User Portal.
  • Log in and click 'Your Profile' to add your info.
  • Enter your mobile phone number in the 'Personal Information' section.
  • Find these in the 'Users Settings' section.
  • Under 'Parking Expiry Reminder', choose how you'd like to be reminded before your parking expires via SMS (or select 'No reminder').
  • If you haven't already, 'Register a Credit Card' and ensure your Text2ParkMe subscription is active.
  • If you haven't added your vehicle(s) yet, do so in the 'Register the Vehicle(s)' section.

Detailed Instructions (User Setup):

Session

  1. If you haven't used the User Portal before, click the 'Register' button and follow the steps to create your account.

  2. Once logged in, click on 'Your Profile' in the navigation menu.

  3. In the first section, labeled 'Personal Information', locate the field for your mobile phone number and enter it. Make sure it's accurate!

  4. Scroll down to the 'Users Settings' section. Here, you'll find the options for Text2ParkMe.

  5. Look for 'Parking Expiry Reminder'. You can choose to receive an SMS reminder 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes before your parking booking expires. If you don't want reminders, select 'No reminder'.

  6. If you haven't already, navigate to the section for managing payment methods (this might be a separate tab or within your profile settings). Follow the instructions to 'Register a Credit Card' as your primary payment method and ensure that the Text2ParkMe subscription is active.

  7. If you haven't done so, find the section for 'Register the Vehicle(s)' and add the license plate number(s) of the vehicle(s) you'll be parking.

Using Text2ParkMe (Once Setup is Complete!)

Now for the fun part – texting to park! Here's how it works:

Quick Steps (Using Text2ParkMe):

  • Using your registered phone, textText ParkMe to the designated Text2ParkMe phone number provided by your organization.organization using the registered mobile phone.

  • Text P to start parking or Q to quit.quit the session.

  • Text the number corresponding to the desired parking lot youfrom want.the provided list.

  • Text the number of minutes required for the parking session.

  • Text C you want to park.

    • continue
  • Ifif the time is correct, text C to continue or L to go back to the lot selection.selection step.

  • Text the number forcorresponding yourto the registered license plateplate, or type the plate number directly if it is unregistered.

  • Text C to confirm yourthe purchase or L to go back to the previous options.

  • You'll get

    Check your device for a confirmation text and email withdetailing yourthe parking expiry time.

    • Extending a Parking Session

    1. To extend: 

      Text E and followto the prompts.designated Text2ParkMe phone number.

  • JustFollow sothe youautomated knowSMS (Usingprompts Text2ParkMe):to add additional time to the active session.

    • Managing SMS Communications

    Users can text the following system commands at any time to manage their messaging preferences:

    • EveryOpt-out: time you text the access number, the system will reply with instructions for the next step.

    • You'll receive a text reminder 5 minutes before your parking expires (if you set it up).

    • You can textText STOP, STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, or QUIT to stopimmediately messages.halt all automated messages from the system.

    • Opt-in: Text START, YES, or UNSTOP to optresume backreceiving in.messages.

    • Support: Text HELP or INFO for information on controlling messages.messages and interacting with the system.

    The SMS system is conversational. Every time a user texts the access number, the system will reply with clear instructions for the next required step.

    Best Practices and Considerations

    • Promote reminder settings: Administrators should encourage users to enable SMS reminders during their initial setup. Receiving a text 5 minutes before parking expires significantly reduces accidental violations and improves the overall user experience.

    • Ensure profile accuracy: Remind users that their caller ID must exactly match the mobile number entered in their profile. If a user attempts to text the system from a different phone, the system will not be able to locate their payment profile or registered vehicles.

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