By
Bhushan Akolkar
August 22nd, 2019
The Department of Finance (DOF) has recently considered using Bitcoin as a method for paying parking tickets: the department issued a Request for Information to find better ways for facilitating the application of parking laws.
“The New York City Department of Finance (DOF) is issuing a Request for Information to obtain information on mobile solutions for payment and hearing scheduling for parking tickets. Prospective vendors should understand that this RFI is not a request for proposal but rather a request for information that will assist the City in understanding A) the current market environment for mobile payment options that could provide greater ease for vehicle owners; and B) the current market for technologies that would allow someone to request a hearing and submit evidence,” – is written in the released document, titled “Mobile Solutions for Payment and Hearing Scheduling of Parking Tickets.”
The DOF outlines the objectives of finding the methods that would best fill the needs in both paying and refuting parking tickets with support from mobile platforms to integrate with the existing system. They include regulating the level of integration, ability to support the real-time payment or request for a hearing of “windshield” tickets, and potential costs that would add to the cost of the ticket. Together with Bitcoin, the document included Apple Pay, PayPal, credit cards and ACH transfers as possibilities.
“The primary objective of this RFI [Request for Information] is to identify and assess mobile platforms that support the payment of parking tickets and learn about their current use and future viability,” the document says. “A secondary objective is to identify existing mobile platforms that support the request for a hearing of parking tickets and learn about their current use and future viability.”
The New York City Department of Finance invites companies to introduce themselves: they want a cover letter with a company background. The DOF accepts responses and information about Bitcoin and the possibilities of blockchain technology. If one has any questions or inquiries, he/she is welcome to contact Solomon Israel (via email), senior contracting officer. The deadline for inquiries is 5PM EST on January 6th, 2015.
Overall, if the idea comes to effect, it can save a lot of time and money to New York City.
