What is the Brookline ParkCard?

The Brookline ParkCard is a reprogrammable card that provides a convenient and cashless way to pay for parking at the electronic meters operated by the Town. The card can be carried in your wallet or stored in your vehicle, eliminating the need to carry change for the meters.                                                   

A ParkCard transaction station located in the lobby of the Public Safety Building, located at 350 Washington Street, is available to purchase a new ParkCard, or to place additional value on an existing card. The Public Safety Building is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I purchase more than one ParkCard?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of ParkCards that you can purchase, but there is a nonrefundable fee of $5 for each new card.

Does my ParkCard expire after a specified amount of time?

No. Because you can re-use the ParkCard as many times as you like, you can use it for as long as there is parking value on the card. Your parking habits will determine how frequently you use your ParkCard and how long you possess one.                                                                        

Unfortunately, a lost or stolen ParkCard cannot be replaced because the Town of Brookline has no way of knowing the value left on the ParkCard, or whether it is being used by someone else. The ParkCard is just like money and should be treated that way. It does not guarantee you a parking space, nor does it allow you to park longer than the maximum time allowed at the meter.                                                                                    

Where can I use the ParkCard?

The ParkCard can be used at any of the over 2500 electronic parking meters located throughout the Town of Brookline.

How do I purchase a new ParkCard?

A new ParkCard can be purchased for a fee of $5 from a ParkCard transaction station located in the lobby of the Public Safety Building. Simply follow the instructions at the station to obtain your card.

When you approach the transaction station, the message board will ask if you would like to purchase a new ParkCard, add value to an existing ParkCard, or check the value on an existing ParkCard. Push the button that indicates you would like to purchase a ParkCard.

The transaction station accepts cash ($5, $10 or $20 bills only), credit cards or debit cards, but does not dispense change when cash is used. Do not use $1 bills. If you place a $10 bill in the machine, you will get a ParkCard with $5 value on it. Remember, the machine cannot give you change.                  

The ParkCard transaction station that dispenses the ParkCard is also used to place value on an existing card. To add value to your card, simply (re)insert the card, follow the instructions on the message board, and pay the machine.

The ParkCard machine will first ask if you will be paying by cash or credit. If adding value using cash, you will need to purchase amounts in denominations of $1, $5, $10 or $20. After you insert the bill, the new value on your card will be displayed.  By indicating you wish to continue, additional bills can be inserted and value added up to the desired amount.  If using a credit or debit card, value can be added in $20, $50 or $75 increments only. To add the value you want, simply push the appropriate button. Perform another transaction if you want more value added.  A maximum of $200 can be placed on your card at any one time.

Can I get a receipt when I purchase ParkCard time?

Yes, the ParkCard transaction station will issue you a receipt for your transaction.

What if my ParkCard runs out?

Your ParkCard is valid until all of its credit has been used up. To add more value, simply go to the ParkCard transaction station at the Public Safety Building to reload the card.

What is the cost for metered parking?

The cost of parking at meters in the Town of Brookline is generally 50 cents per hour, although it may vary somewhat by location. The hourly rate for parking, as well as the maximum time allowed at each meter, is indicated on a plate visible inside each meter.  If for some reason your ParkCard does not work at a particular meter, you should pay the meter fee with coins or go to another meter.  A ParkCard that fails cannot be used as an excuse for not paying the meter fee.

How does the ParkCard work at the meter?

1. Insert the ParkCard into the meter with the chip side up.
2. The meter will flash the value of the card four times before it begins deducting.
3. On the fifth flash, the meter will being deducting value from the card in decrements of 25 cents.
4. When you reach the desired amount, or the maximum time limit allowed at the meter, quickly remove the card.

Can I use the ParkCard with coins at a meter?

Yes. The ParkCard can be used in combination with American nickels, dimes, and quarters. Canadian coins are not accepted.

Can I get a refund if I put too much time on the meter with the ParkCard?

Yes, you can get a refund for the unused time on the meter. After 1 minute passes on the meter, time can be retrieved and the value of that time credited to your ParkCard. To obtain the refund, simply re-insert your card into the meter. The cash value of the card will immediately flash 4 times and a flat line will appear. The fifth flash activates the refund option and will indicate the new value on the card (the old value plus the refunded meter value). Again, immediately remove the card after the fifth flash. If left in the meter, the ParkCard will either begin to add time again or cause a meter error reading. Needless to say, you cannot get a refund on your ParkCard from a meter that had time placed on it by another ParkCard.

Important:   It is illegal to park at a malfunctioning meter. If you encounter any problem when using your ParkCard at a parking meter, please:

• Note the number of the meter
• Note the location of the meter (e.g., street, area)
• Call the Police Department, Traffic Division at (617) 730-2230