The APA introduces the new CashKey Parking Meter Debit System

Instead of fumbling around your pockets or car for quarters and dollars, simply insert the CashKey into the meter and the meter will deduct the amount directly from the key.

CashKeys can be programmed with prepaid amounts in $10.00 increments up to $100.00. Put the key into the specially marked parking meter, and the meter will show the dollar amount that is available on the CashKey. When the key is pulled out, the parking meter will display the meter time. Each time you push the key back into the meter and partially withdraw it, the meter will register additional minutes (as though you had put another quarter into the meter).

Parking rates with CashKey are the same as when using cash, so the rate depends on where you park and the posted time limit. Look on the meter to determine how many minutes each quarter or insertion buys. The electronic parking meters will either accept coins, CashKey or a combination of both.

The Albany Parking Authority and Mayor Jerry Jennings said the meters will relieve people parking their cars downtown from having to have quarters to feed the meters. Currently, 25 cents earns people 12 minutes' of parking time on city meters.

More info about the CashKey System

How To Use The CashKey?

General info

The Authority was established in 1983 as a public benefit corporation under the New York State Parking Authority Law. The Law authorizes the Authority to construct, operate and maintain locations in the City of Albany for public parking facilities. In order to achieve its planning and design goals to meet parking demand, the Authority is authorized to issue tax-exempt bonds. The bonds must be self-supporting from user fees. The Albany Parking Authority receives no tax support or Federal, State, City or private grants.

The Parking Authority is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, which has the powers and responsibilities customary to the board of a private corporation. The Board employs 26 staff who operate and maintain its three public parking garages and who manage the on-street parking meter system under contract for the City of Albany.