City introduces digital parking permits and credit card payments for downtown access

The Oshkosh Transportation Committee meeting on March 11, 2025, focused on enhancing parking payment options in downtown Oshkosh. A key discussion point was the upcoming implementation of a credit card payment system for parking permits, which is expected to improve convenience for users and efficiency for city staff.

Currently, downtown parking facilities do not accept credit cards, but officials are actively working on integrating this feature. The new system will allow users to purchase permits online and utilize a mobile app for parking payments. This initiative is likened to the successful rollout of card reader systems for bus fares, which has streamlined the process for both riders and transit staff.

Committee members highlighted the benefits of the new app, particularly for local businesses. For instance, beauty salons expressed concerns about their customers needing to park for extended periods. With the new system, businesses can issue validation codes to customers, allowing them to pay for parking digitally and avoid the limitations of the current two-hour free parking policy.

The meeting also included a visual presentation of the new signage that will accompany the updated parking system, providing clear information to users. Overall, these advancements aim to enhance the parking experience in downtown Oshkosh, making it more user-friendly and efficient for both residents and visitors.