Bridgeport committee advances plan to replace failing parking meters with multi-space kiosks

Bridgeport's budget committee on March 4 discussed a plan to replace hundreds of aging parking meters with multi-space kiosks after staff reported widespread meter failures and mismatched meter-to-deposit records.

A staff member presenting the proposal said the city currently has "over 200 meters that are not working" and about "230 nonrecording meters" for sensors, and that the city pays ongoing fees for those nonrecording devices. The presenter said the proposed kiosks would serve roughly eight to 10 spaces each, eliminate the need for drivers to return to their vehicles to place receipts, accept card payments including Apple Pay, and could be configured to accept cash. Staff estimated a one-time capital need of about $520,000 and recommended a $600,000 allocation to cover contingencies and signage.

The presenter also told the committee they had included a budget forecast of roughly "$100,000 increase per year" in parking revenue if kiosks reduce losses from malfunctioning meters.

Council members pressed staff on procurement steps. "Why did we only go with one company? Why we didn't get three different companies to compare what they're going to charge the city?" asked a member who identified themself as Congressman Fred when he joined the meeting. Staff said another quote was pending but that an existing contractor (the company currently providing equipment/services) remains under consideration.

Several members raised operational questions: who would monitor enforcement, the hours of enforcement, and whether kiosk codes or discounts could be offered to downtown business owners. A council member asked whether merchants could get a discount code or a designated monthly spot; staff replied the kiosks can accept discount codes but that any exemption or reserved-spot program would require an ordinance amendment.

Reverend Lee and other members expressed skepticism about vendor selection and accuracy of meter revenue reports, asking for clearer contract terms. The finance director and staff said the current proposal aims to fix revenue leaks and modernize payment options.

The committee did not finalize a procurement decision at the meeting and asked staff to return with additional bids, clearer contract terms and a public-education plan led by the mayor's marketing office and district staff.

What happens next: staff will seek additional quotes, develop signage and outreach plans for downtown merchants, and return to committee with procurement details and recommended contract terms.