Seattle Parking Meters “Swallow” Motorists Credit Cards!

Makes you glad we don't have to put up with this in the Mid-Columbia!

It's been a long time since I lived where you had to pay to park.  Glad we don't here!   Seattle drivers have been boiling about a recent series of glitches with the city's parking meters.

The city plans to replace most of it's 2,000 old machines that were "upgraded" to accept credit cards, but until then, they're having to employ a three man task force who's primary job is to rescue drivers credit cards that have been eaten by the meters!

The 10-year-old meters were retrofitted to accept plastic besides the traditional coins, but at least once a day, the Meter Patrol "Rescue" Squad has to respond to an infuriated motorist.   KING-5 TV reports the old machines have begun to capture cards, and won't let them go - much like an ATM retains a debit or bank card if too many attempts are made to access and account.  Sources say the glitches began to escalate this summer, and have gotten worse.

However, unlike the ATM,  Seattle drivers can call an 800 number listed on the machine, and one of the Meter Patrol officers will arrive and retrieve the card.  And, as a nice gesture, they will pay for up to an hour of parking, free.