Kuching Smart Parking System: How to Save on Parking Fees with Pay and Go

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Unveiling the Secrets of Kuching’s Smart Parking Revolution: A Guide to Saving Money and Navigating the System

Kuching’s Smart Parking System: A Game-Changer for Drivers?

The recent introduction of Pay and Go, a new operator for Kuching Public Parking, has sparked curiosity and raised questions among locals. With the implementation of the Kuching Smart Parking System, many are eager to understand how this innovative approach can impact their daily parking routines and, more importantly, their wallets.

Uncovering the Money-Saving Tips with Pay and Go

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Pay and Go app is its potential to save you money compared to the previous physical coupon system. Here’s a breakdown of how you can make the most of your parking fees:

  • No Need for New Coupons: If you have time left on your current digital parking coupon, you don’t have to activate a new one. This is a significant departure from the old system, where a new coupon was required each time you moved your vehicle.

  • Utilize Leftover Time: You can continue using the remaining time on your coupon if you park within the same council area. So, if you have 30 minutes left and need to park again within the same council, you’re covered!

  • Refunds for Unused Time: Here’s where it gets controversial. If you have a substantial amount of time left on your activated digital parking coupon and deactivate it before the next 30-minute charging block, you can get a refund. For instance, if you activated a 4-hour coupon but only used 20 minutes, stopping the countdown immediately could result in a refund for the remaining 3 hours and 40 minutes.

  • Moving Your Vehicle: If you decide to change parking spots but stay within the same council, your coupon remains valid as long as you don’t stop the countdown clock. This is a significant advantage over the old system, where changing spots meant wasting the remaining time on your coupon.

FAQs: Navigating the Smart Parking System

To further clarify the new system, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

  • Car Tracking System: Enforcement is currently done by wardens scanning vehicle plates, but soon, 200 e-bikes with License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras will be deployed. A 30-minute digital coupon is valid across all streets within the same council area (MBKS or DBKU).

  • Elderly Easy Payment (EEP): This feature is designed for motorists aged 60 and above. The first scan deducts 20 sen for the initial 30 minutes, and charges are calculated in 30-minute blocks (20 sen, then 50 sen, and so on).

  • Refund Calculation: If you leave early, refunds are based on unused 30-minute blocks, but only if the next block hasn’t started yet. So, if you bought 1.5 hours and left after 20 minutes, you can refund the remaining hour.

  • Coupon Validity Across Councils: No, your coupon is only valid within the council area you purchased it for (MBKS or DBKU). Moving to a different council requires a new coupon.

  • EEP Users in Shopping Malls: EEP is recognized at most Pay and Go-linked malls (except AEON Mall). Users must activate the “Commercial Parking” feature in their myEEP for automatic deduction upon exit.

  • Delayed Deductions: Pay and Go uses a two-step verification process, which can delay the appearance of deductions by up to 1-1.5 hours, ensuring accuracy.

  • Topping Up Your Account: Users without bank accounts can make cash top-ups at the CityOne Council Parking office.

  • Charges for 35-Minute Stays: Under EEP, you’re only charged for the first 30-minute block if you leave at 35 minutes. However, manual coupon users must ensure their coupon covers the full duration to avoid overparking fines.

  • Changing Your Car Number: Digital coupon users can update their car number in the app. EEP users must unregister the old number and reapply with the new one, while season pass holders should contact customer support.

  • Determining MBKS or DBKU Parking Areas: The system is simplified; users select MBKS or DBKU. The app’s “Current Location” button uses GPS to determine the correct council.

  • Accidentally Selecting the Wrong Area: The operator understands unintentional mistakes, as the system can verify the actual location using GPS, photographs, and time records.

  • Checking and Paying Compounds: For non-app users, a printed compound slip will be placed on the vehicle. Payment can be made at the Pay and Go office in CityOne Mall or by scanning the QR code on the slip using SPay Global or other e-wallets.

  • Compounds During the Trial Period: Compounds are issued during the trial to thoroughly test the system, gather accurate data, identify bugs, and ensure a smooth rollout.

  • Council Parking for Foreign Cars: Foreign-registered vehicles can scan QR code signages (soon to be installed) and enter their car plate numbers, then pay using SPay Global or online banking.

  • Multiple Pay and Go Accounts for One Vehicle: Yes, if a company car is linked to multiple accounts, every account will receive a compound notification.

  • Altering Car Plates: MBKS strongly warns against altering car plates, as it’s illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences, including blacklisting from using Pay and Go.

And this is the part most people miss: the potential for significant savings with the Pay and Go app. By understanding these features and tips, you can navigate the Kuching Smart Parking System with confidence and keep more money in your pocket.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the convenience and savings of the new system? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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