Even smarter
A reader writes:
These are in Monterey CA. They are individual smart meters. They take credit cards. One doesn't have to hike blocks in the rain to pay. And no messy little scraps of paper to deal with. I guess if ole Ellis had been paid a bribe by this manufacturer, Portland would have these.
Speaking of ole Ellis, he hasn't been sentenced yet, has he? Let's hope he's singing like a bird.
| Posted at 3:16 PM | Permalink |
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Comments (12)
I would think he knows better to sing.
What is the latest status?
Maybe some kind of deal being played out.
My observation is that generally our elected officials are "protected" somehow, is that why they feel free to make fools of we the people and betray the public interest?
Posted by clinamen | March 4, 2013 4:00 PM
By the way is there anyone else who is fed up with the way the word smart is used?
Posted by clinamen | March 4, 2013 4:02 PM
I was in Bend last week for a few days. I pulled up to any parking space downtown, and badda bing, it was free to park. No fuss, no hassle. We visited many of the downtown stores and restaurants shelling more than a few dollars to the local establishments (who surely had to pass on a taste to the city). There were time limits of course so customers didn't set up camp in the limited spaces. I agree clinaman, how about some "smarter" planning in place of "smart" meters.
Posted by gibby | March 4, 2013 4:07 PM
I agree clinaman, how about some "smarter" planning in place of "smart" meters.
JK: Can't be done - they need this piece of car revenue to pay for Charlie's folly (the streetcar)
Thanks
JK
Posted by jim karlock | March 4, 2013 4:13 PM
Tsk, tsk, Jack, those aren't solar powered. Points off.
Posted by Dave J. | March 4, 2013 4:15 PM
Who needs meters? We know where you've been leaving the car, and for how long.
Posted by Allan L. | March 4, 2013 4:17 PM
The problem with meters... anyone can go by and put in a coin for their fellow parkers... Miss doing that at Xmas; it was my give away.
Posted by class clown | March 4, 2013 4:40 PM
I'm pretty sick of "smart," too. I must say, though. Those meters DO look vibrant!
Posted by PDXLifer | March 4, 2013 6:42 PM
Placing a meter NEAR to the parking spot makes using a car MORE convenient.
And we all know auto user convenience is NOT a desirable outcome.
The goofy parking restrictions, the walking to a broken "smart" meter, the huge fines for letting the meter run out, the bike lanes, the wheelchair ramps that stick out into traffic are ALL DESIGNED to make driving a car frustrating, expensive, road rage fueling, and exasperating. It's working, too.
Posted by ltjd | March 4, 2013 7:21 PM
PDXLifer,
Vibrant in color yes, but are they "smart" enough for the future? They still allow coins, won't that be phased out as we all get "smarter?"
Posted by clinamen | March 4, 2013 7:35 PM
Used meters like these in New Haven a few weeks back. Likely expensive to install and maintain, but they work well, including flashing green when a proximate car has paid and red if not. Collecting 'till 9:00 pm on Chapel Street . . .
Posted by doug | March 4, 2013 9:15 PM
Okay Alan, I'll move the car. I was hoping no one would rat me out.
Posted by David E Gilmore | March 5, 2013 6:16 AM