Frequently Asked Questions

General Overview

What is ParkWhitePlains?
ParkWhitePlains is an easy and convenient way to pay for metered parking in White Plains using a mobile phone or web browser.

What are the benefits of ParkWhitePlains?

Is there a fee to use ParkWhitePlains?
A 20-cent convenience fee will be applied to each parking session.

Where is ParkWhitePlains offered?
ParkWhitePlains is currently offered in most off-street lots and all garages in the City of White Plains. Just look for the ParkWhitePlains logo on signs in off-street lots and garages.

How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! All you need is a credit or debit card. Choose one of the methods below:

How do I get the app?
The free ParkWhitePlains app is available for download in the App Store and at Google Play.

Can I download the app on my tablet?
OS users can download the ParkWhitePlains app on their iPad, but a valid mobile phone number is still required to create an account and use the app. Android users cannot download the app on a tablet at this time due to limitations within the Android platform.

Why is it important to use the correct zone number?
Each parking location may have different parking restrictions and hours of operation or length of stay.

If I don’t have my mobile phone with me, can I use a different phone to pay for parking?
Yes. Although your phone number, thus your phone, is linked to ParkWhitePlains for security and verification reasons, you can start another account on a different phone and pay for parking with the new phone number. You may also use your email address to login on a different phone. If you don’t have a mobile phone with you, make a payment at the meter nearest to your vehicle. Additionally, if you’re with someone who has a ParkWhitePlains account, they can pay for your parking by simply paying for your space and you can repay the favor in the future!

Why is it that sometimes I can extend parking and sometimes I can’t?
You may be unable to extend parking if you are outside the zone’s hours of operation or due to a parking restriction (Such as beyond the maximum parking time limits allowed in that zone). When you purchase parking, you are not permitted to purchase more time than the allowed length of stay. Make sure you check for rates, parking restrictions on the meters and permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

Like many apps or mobile services, ParkWhitePlains requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. The connectivity of your personal devices is not under our control, and if you experience failure in wireless service, you will be unable to extend your parking session remotely. In such circumstances, please pay for parking at the meter nearest to your vehicle.

Can I change my notification alert to something other than 10 minutes?
No. At this time, the time period for the notification alert feature cannot be changed.

I parked using the wrong zone number; can I change it?
You cannot change a zone number once your parking session has started, so remember to review screens before confirming your sessions. Make sure you check for rates, parking restrictions on the meter and permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

How do I know if my parking time was processed?
The ParkWhitePlains app or mobile web session screen shows the start and end times of your parking session. Additionally, a countdown timer will show the remaining amount of time to your current parking session at any point in time.

Accounts & Payments

How do I pay for parking using ParkWhitePlains?
You can pay for your parking sessions in ParkWhitePlains by either an individual Credit/Debit card or by funding the ParkWhitePlains Prefunded Account.
Transactions completed using an individual Credit/Debit card will show up on your card statements as individual line items and will be deducted from your account once the parking session is completed.

If you fund the ParkWhitePlains Prefunded Account, you have the option to fund, using a Credit/Debit card, a minimum $10.00 or a maximum of $100.00. Each time you use the ParkWhitePlains Prefunded Account to pay for parking, the cost of your parking session is deducted from your prepaid account. When your account balance reaches $0.00, your account will be automatically replenished, using your selected method of payment, with at least $10.00 or increments of $10.00, up to $100.00, in the amount needed to cover your parking transaction. Note, although the default is $10.00, you can select to have the account not replenish and if the transaction will otherwise put you below your balance, you will not be able to pay for parking.

What forms of payment can I use to pre-fund my account?
You can use any Visa, Discover, or Mastercard card to initiate a single parking session or fund the ParkWhitePlains Prefunded Account.

Can I use ParkWhitePlains without having to set up an account?
No. In order to use ParkWhitePlains, you must set up an account first.

Can I use ParkWhitePlains without having to link my credit or debit card?
No. In order to use ParkWhitePlains, you must link a credit or debit card to your account.

My account is running low; how do I add more funds?
When your account balance reaches or drops to $0.00, your account will be automatically replenished to the amount you have selected. The default is $10.00. Using your selected method of payment, with at least $10.00 or increments of $10.00 in the amount needed to cover your parking transaction and to maintain an above $0.00 balance on your account.

Can I access my parking history? How do I get receipts?
Your ParkWhitePlains transactions are saved and can be accessed in two ways:
1.) To email a receipt of a parking session directly from the app, go to Settings and select My Parking History. The app keeps a history of your last 20 parking sessions. Choose a recent session and select Email Receipt. This will send a receipt to the email address associated with the ParkWhitePlains account.

2.) To view the entire parking history of your account, you may log in to ParkWhitePlains.com from a computer and run reports as necessary.

Is it safe to make payments via ParkWhitePlains?
ParkWhitePlains is committed to protecting customer information. Your credit card number is encrypted and your information is handled as specified in our privacy policy.

How does ParkWhitePlains use my email?
We use your email address only to send you important information regarding your ParkWhitePlains account.

How can I deactivate my account?
Deactivate your account at any time by visiting ParkWhitePlains.com. Once you log in, select the Menu (upper left corner icon with three horizontal bars), click on Profile and then click the Deactivate Account button. Be aware that once you deactivate your account, it cannot be reactivated. If you wish to use ParkWhitePlains again, you will need to create a new account.

Enforcement

Without the meter showing paid or a dashboard receipt, how do parking enforcers know that I have paid for parking?
Each time you use ParkWhitePlains, you will enter your parking space number, which identifies your parking session. Enforcement personnel will look up your parking space number to determine if you have paid. Do not place your phone in the windshield as proof of payment.

How can I avoid getting a parking ticket when using ParkWhitePlains?
If you’re using the app and have a signal, ParkWhitePlains will send a notification alert to your mobile device when you have 10 minutes left on your parking session. At that point, you can extend your session from your phone, subject to restrictions (Please see: Why is it that sometimes I can extend parking and sometimes I can’t?). However, we cannot be responsible for any failure to receive a notification alert or extend your parking session because of any failures in wireless service or malfunctions with your wireless carrier.

Troubleshooting

The app doesn’t work. I’m not getting notification alerts. It’s slow.
Like many apps or mobile services, ParkWhitePlains requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. If you experience any issues with the app, check your phone’s coverage status and/or Wi-Fi signal first. The connectivity of your personal device is not under our control, and we cannot be responsible for any failure to receive a notification alert or inability to extend a parking session due to failure in wireless service or malfunction with your wireless carrier. Also, please be aware that sessions originated from the app, whether on iPhone, iPad or an Android device, receive notifications on the app and on that specific device.

If you continue to experience problems, let us know by visiting the Menu > Send Bug Report on your app or on ParkWhitePlains.com and then restart the app. We’ll look into it as soon as possible. Please remember that if you’re unable to pay for parking through ParkWhitePlains for any reason, you’re still required to pay for metered parking and should do so at the meter nearest to your car.

How do I reset my PIN?
You create your PIN when you sign up for an account. If you wish to reset your PIN, click on the Reset PIN button on the Login page. You will be required to re-enter your payment card currently on file to verify your identity (we provide the last four digits to help you remember which card you used). After successfully verifying your payment card details, you will be taken to the Create PIN page, at which point you can reset your PIN.

Why do I get a “Locked Parking” error message?
If you received a “Locked Parking” error message, be aware that we have manually suspended your account due to payment discrepancies. In such cases, please contact us at 914-422-1391 for more information.

Why can’t I add more time to my parking session?
If you are unable to add additional time to your parking stay, it is likely that:

Why am I receiving a time out error?
ParkWhitePlains allows 90 seconds to complete a transaction before the system times out. If a time out occurs, simply begin your transaction again.

Why didn’t I receive a notification alerting me that my time is about to expire?
Like many apps or mobile services, ParkWhitePlains requires a good cellular or Wi-Fi signal. Check your phone’s coverage status and/or Wi-Fi signal. We cannot be responsible for any failure to get a notification alert or extend parking because of failures in wireless service or due to failure or malfunctions with your wireless carrier.
Also, go to Menu > Preferences and make sure that the “Remind me when my time is expiring (app notification)” option is selected. Check your phone’s Push Notification settings and make sure that your phone has service. If you are experiencing any problems, let us know by visiting Menu > Send Bug Report on your app or on ParkWhitePlains.com. We’ll look into as soon as possible.

My phone battery has run out and I can’t pay for my parking with ParkWhitePlains. How can I pay for my parking?
Return to the location where your vehicle is parked, and pay at the meter.

My name and/or account information has changed. How can I change it?
No problem. Using the app or website, visit the Menu and access the options under Settings to change your Profile and/or Payment Details.

I have a new phone number. What do I do?
If you have a new phone number, you will need to register a new account for that phone number. Deactivate your current account online at ParkWhitePlains.com and then sign up for a new account.

Can I add another phone number to my account?
No. Each account is connected to a single phone number.

I have received multiple charges on my bank account after I used the app. I believe I am a victim of fraud. What can you do?
Contact the bank associated with your credit/debit card immediately if you believe you may be a victim of fraud. In addition, please call us immediately at 914-422-1391 so that we can help you determine if the charges are legitimate.

I’m trying to create an account but it keeps saying “User Exists.” I’ve never signed up before. Help!
Call us at 914-422-1391 so that we can help you sort out the situation.

May I get a refund for any unused time?
No. Refunds for unused time are not available. Make sure you check for parking restrictions on the pay box and for permanent or temporary signage in order to avoid a ticket.

For Mobile Browser and Basic Phone Users Only

Am I charged for text messages that I receive from ParkWhitePlains?
ParkWhitePlains does not charge for text messages we send to you, but text messages are subject to standard message and data rates charged by your wireless service provider.

How can I change my text message preferences?
You can manage your text message preferences in the Preferences section on your online account.

How do I stop text messages?
You can stop text message notifications by visiting the Preferences section on your online account and disabling text messages. Additionally, text STOPTXT to 914-352-5076. Following a request to unsubscribe, you will receive a confirmation message from ParkWhitePlains confirming that you have been inactivated in our system. Be aware, however, that if you choose not to receive text message alerts, we cannot remind you of when your parking expires.

Do I have to sign up for text messages to park?
If you purchase parking by calling 914-422-8222, you must agree to receive text messages regarding your parking transaction. This includes text messages to process your transaction, receipts for your transactions, and parking expiration reminders. If you don’t want to receive text messages you can use our conveniently located pay stations to purchase parking.

If you purchase parking with ParkWhitePlains.com either on a desktop or mobile web browser, you can manage your text message preferences for expiration alerts by visiting the Preferences section on your online account. If you choose not to receive text message expiration alerts, we cannot remind you of when your parking expires.

You do not need to sign up for text messages to use ParkWhitePlains. However, you will need to receive your account verification code by text message when you sign up for ParkWhitePlains app.

How many text messages will I receive?
The number of text messages you receive will depend on the number of parking transactions that you enter into and the method you use to purchase parking. Depending on the method you use to purchase parking, you may get up to eight text messages in relation to your transaction.

What else should I know about text messages I may receive from ParkWhitePlains?
Text messages are subject to your wireless carrier’s standard message and data rates. To stop text messages, visit the Preferences section on your online account and disable text messages or text STOPTXT to 914-352-5076. For help, call 914-422-1391 or text HELPME to 914-352-5076. Depending on the method you use to purchase parking you may get up to eight text messages in relation to your transaction. If you don’t want to receive texts please use our conveniently located pay stations to purchase parking.

Help and Support

How do I get support?
Using the app or website, go to Menu > Send Bug Report and send us the details of your issue. If you need immediate assistance, please call ParkWhitePlains at 914-422-1391 or text HELPME to 914-352-5076.