ATHOL – Drivers parking in the downtown area will soon have the additional option to pay their parking fees on their smartphones.

The Downtown Vitality Committee met Oct. 14 to review updates on downtown parking, including the upcoming implementation of the ParkMobile app, a digital payment system.

Director of Planning and Community Development Eric Smith said the app will go live once new signage for the service is installed on Main, South and Exchange streets, which he hopes will be completed by the end of the month. Each parking space will belong to a numbered zone, which users select with the app when paying.

Smith has been working with Public Works Assistant Superintendent Paul Raskevitz and Parking Ambassador Paul Landry to prepare for the rollout of the app.

“Once the signs go up, ParkMobile will activate the app, and people will be able to pay right from their phones,” Smith said.

“It’s an add-on; the coins aren’t going away,” Smith added, emphasizing that the meters will remain active as well.

Parking rates on the app will remain 50 cents per hour, with a two-hour limit per space. Users will be able to extend their time remotely and receive a reminder 15 minutes before their meter expires, provided they allow notifications from the app.

Smith said parking attendants will have tablets to look up accounts and confirm whether a space has been paid, allowing them to issue tickets if needed. He added that fliers will be distributed downtown to help residents and visitors understand the new system.

“We want everyone to know how this works before it goes live,” he said.

The committee also discussed new proposed sidewalk signage aimed at improving pedestrian safety by guiding cyclists and scooter riders to follow the rules. Committee Chair Mary Holtorf said the current signs, which say “no biking or scootering,” are too aggressive.

Smith said he has been working with Town Manager Shaun Suhoksi to develop revised signs that enforce the rules while promoting safety.

“I’ve seen signs in other places that say ‘Please walk your bikes and scooters’ and reference the town’s existing bylaw,” he explained.

Committee member Paula Robinson highlighted broader pedestrian safety concerns, noting that many riders often ignore the rules or ride without helmets. Members suggested ways to educate

the public, including public service announcements, school programs, booths at community events and helmet giveaways.

“We want you to come downtown, but we want you to be safe,” Robinson said, emphasizing the importance of keeping the streets accessible.