Parking Services

The City of Long Beach has replaced 22 parking meters in The Pike area near downtown. The pay stations are solar-powered electronic kiosks that accept Mastercard or VISA debit/credit cards and coins to pay for parking. One station replaces five to eight meters on a City block. How to use Park, Pay and Display.

This program is another example of the City's customer service focus. We hope the pay meter make your downtown and The Pike -for business, entertainment, or shopping experience more enjoyable. Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions below to find out more information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use park, pay and display?
What are the parking rates?
What are the hours of operation?
Why is the City using new parking technology?
How does the new parking system work?
Can you receive a parking citation while you're paying at a pay station?
What are the benefits of multi-space parking?
What are the rules of park, pay and display?
What if I have a problem with the parking stations?

Q: How do I use Park, Pay and Display?

FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENT:

Step 1: Insert VISA or Mastercard, leave it in, and push one of the BLUE buttons to buy time. You may either push the BLUE button to purchase the maximum time ($4 for 2 hrs.) or you can push the "Add Time" button. The minimum credit/debit charge is $1 for 30 minutes, and each subsequent addition is for 15 additional minutes at a cost of 50 cents. You will be prompted when it is time to remove the card. 
If using coins, insert the correct amount of change for the amount of time required.



Step 2: Push the GREEN button to print a receipt which will show the date and expiration time.

Step 3: Remove the card after the display prompts you to do so.

Step 4: Remove the sticky backing to tape the receipt to the INSIDE of the driver's side front-seat window. 

For motorcycles, tape to headlight cover. You MAY write your license number on the receipt for verification.
For cars without side windows, display your receipt on the dashboard by the Vehicle Identification Number.

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 Q: What are the parking rates for the Pike parking meters?

$2.00 = 1 hr.

$1.00 = 30 minutes

$ .50 = 15 minutes

$ .25 = 12 ½ minutes

$ .10 = 3 minutes

$ .05 = 1 ½ minutes

Mastercard and VISA Debit/Credit card payments

• The maximum debit/credit card payment is $4.00 for two hours, and
• The minimum debit/credit card payment is $1.00 for 30 minutes. Additional debit/credit card time may be purchased for 50 cents for each additional 15 minutes.

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Q: What are the hours of operation for the Pike parking meters?

City parking pay station hours are located only in The Pike and the hours of operation are everyday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

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Q: Why is the City using new parking technology?

The City is using the new parking technology to improve customer convenience as well as system predictability and reliability. Metered parking in The Pike area costs $2 per hour, payable only in quarters and dollar coins, which would require 16 quarters to park the full two hours using the standard parking meters. The new system allows for more flexible payment options, including coins and Mastercard or Visa debit/credit cards.

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 Q: How does the new parking system work?

The user pays for time at the kiosk - using coins or a Mastercard or VISA credit/debit card. The pay station will print a receipt that has a removable sticky backing. The user peels off the back and uses it to tape the receipt to the inside of the driver's side window. 

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Q: Can you receive a parking citation while you're paying at a pay station?

All parking spaces are located within a reasonable distance of a pay station and parking enforcement officers will check the kiosk to see if anyone is using it. But if a customer is issued a ticket, their receipt could be used in cour to dispute a citation.

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Q: What are the benefits of multi-space technology?

Cities are increasingly converting to some form of this multi-space technology. The benefits experienced by other cities that have switched to multi-space parking pay stations include:

1. Greater convenience 

Mastercard and Visa credit/debit cards can be used as well as other coins for added convenience. Valid pay-and-display receipts can be used at any space in $2 per hour parking district at The Pike.

2. Environmentally friendly 

The use of solar power allows for an environmentally friendly solution that enables real-time credit and debit card payments and reduces the cost of operations. The parking pay stations use encrypted wireless wi-fi technology to transmit data. 

3. Better management of parking operations

Through wireless communication, staff is notified of any problems or malfunctions, virtually eliminating meter down time. This system enables staff to work more efficiently.

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Q: What are the rules of Park, Pay and Display?

You MUST:

• Pay for parking during the times posted
• Properly display a valid receipt per instructions posted @ the kiosk
• Display only one receipt at a time

You MUST NOT:

• Park during restricted hours posted on street signs,
• Park on the same space longer than the maximum time posted for your space, and
• Use this receipt outside of The Pike $2/hr. on-street parking zone south of Ocean Blvd. 

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Q: What if I have problems with the parking stations?

• Purchase parking at another pay station,
• Use coins to purchase parking if your card does not work, and
• Please call (562) 570-3264 for assistance or to report a problem Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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