USM administrators have recently decided to make some major changes to the university’s automated parking system. They announced they are ending their contract with HonkMobile as of June 30, and that the university’s contract with the new vendor, ParkEngage, begins July 1.

A recent email from the university parking services office highlighted some of the changes that will be seen by community residents who park on the Gorham campus in the coming months.

Starting July 1, new ParkEngage signage will be visible at parking lots on the Gorham and Portland campuses.

There will be new ParkEngage walk-up paystations ready to use on July 1, in both Gorham and Portland. Visitors who use these will be able to pay for parking without needing a smartphone, although they will still need to use a credit or debit card.

Hourly parking will cost $1.05 per hour. Pre-paid monthly parking permits for community residents will cost $10.00.

All Gorham campus parking lots will now be available to community members visiting the campus, although there are still some restrictions during daytime hours, Monday through Friday.

The university’s email emphasized that all parking on the Gorham and Portland campuses by community members must still be paid for, and that the USM Parking Revenue Recovery system remains in place for now (including the continued use of parking lot cameras and fines) although administrators have that system under review.

Those who would like more information can access the following website: https://usm.maine.edu/parking-services/transition-from-honk-to-parkengage/