Photo credit: John ErsekMore than two dozen high-tech camera installations like these make USM’s new parking system in Gorham possible.
In late August, the University of Southern Maine initiated a new high-tech parking system on its Gorham and Portland campuses, which will affect virtually everyone who drives a vehicle onto one of the campuses. Local residents who drive through the Gorham campus have likely already noticed the new overhead camera arrays which were installed during the summer break.
The camera system recognizes and records the license plate numbers of all vehicles entering one of the campus parking lots. The system is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week at both campuses. The rate for parking is $1 per hour on the Gorham campus, and $4 per hour in Portland, with a 10-minute grace period for drivers who enter and leave a parking lot within a short time, such as to drop someone off or pick them up.
This new parking system applies to all campus visitors. This includes those exercising at the Costello Sports Complex, attending a musical performance, a theatrical or dance event, an athletic event, craft show, or art show, or to take a METRO Husky Line to Portland.
For regular visitors, the best option may be to buy a Flex parking pass for $36. A FlexPass for the Gorham campus can be purchased which will allow up to 365 uses during the school year. This pass can be purchased here.
Photo credit: USMNew USM parking initiative sign
Another option is paying for parking just after arriving at the parking lot by scanning the QR code on one of the parking lot signs, or by using the Honk mobile app.
It is also possible to pay for parking in advance at www.parking.honkmobile.com/parking. Enter 37 Campus Ave Gorham, ME into the address field for Gorham campus parking, or use the Honk Mobile app.
It is important to note that those who purchase a yearly FlexPass will still need to access their FlexPass account on their smartphone every time they park on campus, by using the Honk Mobile app.
Since there are significant fines for non-compliance (a minimum $55 fine for an initial infraction) it is advisable that drivers to pay $1 through their FlexPass accounts, or pay the $1 hourly fee, even if they think they might only be parked on the campus for a short time, such as while waiting for someone who is running late after a class. Information about citations and appeals can be found at the Parking Services website.
University spokesperson, Gina Guadagnino told us, “Please continue to check these sites for updates as we work to refine this new system.”
Meanwhile, all existing parking regulations remain in effect. These include limits on parking in staff/faculty spaces and restrictions on overnight parking. And as before these changes, many faculty/staff parking spaces in Gorham become available to visitors after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, but the fees (and fines) still apply 24/7. Check instructions on nearby signage.
Recently, a Gorham Times reporter attended a musical performance at Corthell Hall on the Gorham campus. He was looking forward to enjoying the concert. While considering the $55 minimum fine, he felt motivated to make concerted efforts to pay for parking through the Honk Mobile app, which he had downloaded for free from the iPhone App Store.
After following instructions on the large parking information sign next to Corthell, he was able to complete the purchase within five minutes or so, commenting that it was no more difficult than buying something on an e-commerce website like Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, or Walmart.