MobileNOW!, one of two mobile parking payment app providers in Montgomery County, ceased operations on May 18 and will no longer be an option for parking payments at County-owned on-street meters, parking garages or lots. The company, which operated on a contract with the County, informed the County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) that it was ceasing operations due to factors related to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Parkmobile, the other parking app option in Montgomery County, continues to offer pay-by-phone parking payment. Drivers can download the app or create a new account at Parkmobile’s website.

MobileNOW! account holders are encouraged to view their account history information on the company website at www.mobile-now.us. The company stated the site will continue to exist for a limited time, although the mobile application has already been deactivated. The website provides information on refunding existing “wallet” balances to customers. Because MobileNOW! is a contract vendor, MCDOT does not have information about customer transactions.

A message posted on MobileNOW!’s website stated: “Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its activities suffered during the last two months, MobileNOW! with regret, has had to cease its operations on May 18, 2020, and has dissolved the same day. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

MobileNOW! has been a payment option for County parking since 2009. Parkmobile was phased in as a second option in 2017. Montgomery County was one of the first jurisdictions in the country to expand mobile payment for parking to two companies. Parkmobile is also used in neighboring Washington, D.C.

“We regret the inconvenience for our existing customers and are working to make the transition to a single payment app as seamless of an experience as we can, given the circumstances,” said MCDOT Parking Management Division Chief Jose Thommana. “At this time when many of our customers wish to avoid unnecessary contact with payment machines, we are glad to be able to continue providing contactless and remote payments through Parkmobile.”

MCDOT offers more than 21,000 public parking spaces.

During the health crisis, the County is temporarily providing free parking at some locations. For details on free parking locations and other information related to parking changes during the health crisis, visit the parking section of MCDOT’s webpage for Transportation Changes, Updates and Resources for COVID-19.

Parkmobile offers customers the option of a pre-funded “wallet,” or a “pay as you go” option. The wallet allows customers to fund an account in advance, with money deducted for each transaction. Wallet customers are charged a 25-cent fee for each transaction, in addition to the parking charges. “Pay as you go” charges a credit card on file for each transaction. Pay as you go customers are charged a 45-cent fee for each transaction, in addition to the parking charges.

Mobile phone parking can potentially save customers money because they only pay for time parked. In addition, the apps provide reminders before a meter expires and, where allowed, gives customers the option to extend parking time remotely.

For ongoing updates, follow @MCDOTNow and @MCDOT_Parking on Twitter or go to the department website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot

For the latest updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

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