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Committee approves MTA contract to replace aging single‑space meters; supervisors debate optional additional meters
Summary
The committee recommended a 5‑year, up to $54 million MTA contract with IPS Group to replace single‑space parking meters with modern credit‑card/phone‑capable units and support services, while several supervisors sought limits or assurances on an option to buy up to 10,000 additional meters that could enable meter expansion.
The Municipal Transportation Agency asked the committee to approve a five‑year contract with IPS Group to replace roughly 25,000 single‑space street meters and provide support services, with an option to purchase an additional 10,000 meters; the not‑to‑exceed contract amount was cited at $54 million.
Sonali Bose (MTA) explained the existing meters date to 2002 and cannot accept credit cards or remote updates; the proposed replacement meters support credit card, pay-by-phone and remote management, and MTA staff said improved payment flexibility has reduced citation counts in SF Park pilot areas. The contract includes ~$19.7M for procurement and $34M for operating/support costs; the optional meters account for about $5.6M.
Multiple supervisors praised the technology upgrade for convenience and reduced citations, but Supervisor Mark Farrell raised strong concerns about the optional 10,000 meters because that option could be used later to add metered spaces in neighborhoods without a full public process. Deputy City Attorney John Givner advised the committee it could approve or reject the contract but could not add a binding condition to the contract that would restrict future MTA decisions about new meters; the proper mechanism would be to reject the contract and request changes from MTA.
The budget analyst recommended approval; the committee voted to forward the contract to the full Board with the budget analyst’s technical amendments, and the roll call showed Marr and Avalos voted aye and Farrell no on the recommendation.
What happens next: The contract will be considered by the full Board; if approved, the MTA will begin phased replacement and report back on any proposed expansions of metering and any port‑metering participation negotiated with the Port Commission.
