Express Pay FAQs - Parkonect

Q: Can a location implement eParking and Express Pay at the same time? 

A: Yes, but the license plate must be set as required for all Reservation providers. If a license plate is not added to the reservation and the parker is also an Express Pay enrolled user, they could be double-charged. 

Q: Is Express Pay compatible with Valet?

A: Not supported for valet operations when vehicles are parked inside a PARCS garage. If a valet customer enrolled in Express Pay enters through an LPR lane, the system starts an Express Pay session and applies the standard PARCS rate, creating a risk of double billing since valet also bills the customer. However, the customer can cancel the session after they receive the alert it has started. Express Pay cannot be used to pay for a valet-issued ticket. Applies to Parkonect with the Valet Hiker module. A Valet API is available with Parkonect for alpha testing.

Q: Can a reusable QR code be displayed to apply a validation discount?

A: Yes. A validation can be converted into a reusable QR code with a maximum number of uses. Reach out to support@flashparking.com for the initial setup. 

Q: Can a driver use a gift card with Express Pay? 

A: Yes. Express Pay registration offers the option to add a credit card via Apple/Google Pay. 

Q: Can you still use a door reader when you start an Express Pay session? 

A: Yes, Express Pay provides a digital ticket with a QR code that can be scanned on a door reader for access. 

Q: Can an eParking Reservation holder pay for an overage fee via Express Pay?

A: No, Express Pay can't be started if the driver entered with a reservation. All overage fees must be paid at a kiosk (POF or exit). 

Q: Can you still apply validations when you use Express Pay? 

A: Yes. Express Pay provides a digital ticket via SMS with a link to apply a discount. Parkonect validation and coupon barcodes can be scanned to apply a discount. 

Q: How does Express Pay differ from Digital Ticket Checkout? 

A: The primary difference is when payment is processed. DTC completes payment before exit, similar to a Pay-on-Foot payment with a grace period, and does not require LPR; Express Pay payments are triggered at exit when the license plate is captured and relies on LPR, but users can still scan their Digital Ticket at the kiosk in case there is a misread. 

Q: Can I get a receipt for my Express Pay session? 

A: Yes. A digital receipt is sent to the email address associated with the Express Pay account.

Q: Can I use Apple or Google Pay when adding a payment method? 

A: Gift cards issued by major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted with Express Pay. 

Q: How can a user update their payment method? 

A: During an Express Pay session, users can update or add a new payment method at any time before exiting. 

Q: Can an Express Pay user remove the credit card on file after a session has started? 

A: No, the only way to delete a credit card is through the ParkWhiz account (mobile app or website). If a card is removed after a session has started, it is automatically added back to the account once the driver exits, preventing a loophole for a failed payment. 

Q: Does the Express Pay ticket provide the rate estimate? 

A: No, Express Pay currently does not provide a rate estimate; this is in development. The digital ticket instructs the driver to see onsite signage for rates. 

Q: Can I cancel an Express Pay session?

A: Yes. Session Cancellation lets users unlink the transient ticket from their Express Pay account. A transient ticket QR code is still provided to use on exit, validate, POF, or a pedestrian door access.

Q: What if I'm driving a rental car, can I still use Express Pay?

A: The Express Pay enrollment process allows marking the license plate as temporary. Temporary plates cannot be enrolled in Express Pay; they appear in the user's Vehicle list. To remove a temporary vehicle, the user must delete it from their ParkWhiz / ParkMobile account.

Q: What happens when a parker forgets to check that they are using a rental car? 

A: If a temporary/rental vehicle is used for a one-time Express Pay payment without selecting 'Temporary Vehicle', the plate is added to the account linked to the mobile number. Subsequent drivers of the same vehicle may get an SMS if Proactive Comms is enabled, or could trigger automatic charges if the original driver enrolled the vehicle. The driver needs to log in to their ParkWhiz / ParkMobile account and remove the vehicle. 

Q: Can you have Express Pay users pay a specific rate?

A: No. The rate is assigned based on the entry ticket, and Express Pay users receive the active rate at the facility.

Q: What happens if I drive a car I didn't enroll into Express Pay? 

A: If the vehicle isn't registered with Express Pay, the system won't recognize it and a session won't start. The driver must pay manually at exit or register the new vehicle.

Q: Can you have multiple vehicles enrolled in Express Pay? 

A: Yes, multiple license plates can be listed on a ParkWhiz account and enrolled in Express Pay, but a user can only have one open session at a time.

Q: Can the same license plate be listed under multiple ParkWhiz accounts for Express Pay?

A: Yes, the same plate can be listed under multiple ParkWhiz accounts and all holders can use Express Pay (one-time payment) for that vehicle. However, a plate can only be enrolled in Express Pay under a single account.

Q: Can you enroll your license plate for Express Pay before arriving at the garage?

A: Offsite registration isn't supported in the ParkWhiz app; the parker must first enter the garage and have their plate captured by LPR to register or start a session. ParkMobile supports offsite registration through its app.

Q: Does Express Pay require a cell signal?

A: Cell signalis required to sign up for Express Pay and receive notifications. Sessions can still start if the user is already enrolled in Express Pay even without cell service.

Q: What happens when a parker enters their plate in the app and gets an error that there are no matching plates?

A: The plate must be entered correctly to start a session. If a session can't be started, the parker can still pay at the exit kiosk. 

Q: Can we use Express Pay with other LPR systems (Uncanny, HTS)?

A: No. Due to its superior accuracy rates, Express Pay is only being implemented with Flash's Vision cameras.

Q: Can we use Express Pay with no gates installed?

A: Express Pay is currently only available at gated Flash PARCS and Parkonect systems.

Q: Are Parkonect’s Gen 1 kiosks compatible with Express Pay?

A: No. Express Pay cannot be implemented at lanes operating with Gen 1 Kiosks.

Q: Can DTC Signs be converted into Express Pay Signs?

A: No, new signs need to be created with new QR codes.