City of Alameda Launches Mobile Parking Payments

Published on October 10, 2025

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Includes parking at meters, paid parking at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, and reactivates Park Street pay stations

The City is modernizing its parking system by launching mobile payments for parking, making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to pay on the go. Starting Monday, October 20, drivers can use the ParkSmarter mobile app or the text-to-pay option to pay for parking and extend their time remotely at pay-by-plate stations and at single-space meters.

Downtown Park Street
Modern, credit-card friendly pay stations that accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover have been installed on Park Street (from Central to San Jose Avenues). Parkers will now enter their license plate number when paying for parking, and through the ParkSmarter app, they can extend time remotely (within time limits).

Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal
Paid parking will be in effect at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only, at a rate of $3 per day. The introduction of paid parking on these busy midweek days is designed to improve parking availability for all commuters and residents, especially those taking later ferry trips. A major convenience is the ability to pay for parking after boarding the ferry using the ParkSmarter mobile app. Revenue generated from ferry terminal parking will directly fund increased security measures at the terminal.

Alternative Transportation Encouraged
The City encourages ferry riders, particularly on peak midweek days, to consider alternatives to driving alone to the terminal when possible and help ensure spaces are available for those who must drive:

  • Transit: AC Transit Line 21 offers a free bus transfer with a ferry trip when using a Clipper card.

  • Active Options: Walk, bike, carpool, or get dropped off.

  • Avoid Peak: Consider traveling on Mondays and Fridays instead of the midweek peak when parking is free.

Note: Drivers should be aware that 2-hour parking restrictions are currently enforced on some residential streets near the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal.

Stay Informed

  • Drivers are encouraged to look for new signage and decals on pay stations and meters with step-by-step instructions on how to make a payment.

  • For travel tips and more information on getting around Alameda, visit www.alamedaca.gov/getaround.

  • Detailed information regarding ferry parking is available at www.alamedaca.gov/ferryparking.

  • To receive updates on parking and transportation in Alameda, sign up for the auto parking mailing list: www.alamedaca.gov/subscribe.

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