New Parking Payment App
New Parking Payment App
The City of Asheville is transitioning to Flowbird as its new parking meter payment app, with the official launch set for July 1, 2025. Flowbird was selected through a competitive request for proposals process with the current vendor’s contract set to expire in July. The app offers a convenient, secure, and flexible way to pay for parking meters using a mobile device or computer—without requiring users to download the app. Features include real-time parking availability, multiple payment options, and the ability to manage several vehicles under one account. Passport mobile payments will be accepted through June 30, 2025, during the transition period.
Project Overview
The City of Asheville is transitioning to Flowbird as its new mobile parking meter payment provider, with a soft launch date of June 2, 2025 following City Council approval at their December 10, 2025 meeting. Selected through a competitive and transparent procurement process, Flowbird offers convenience and accessibility while maintaining familiar parking processes. Users can expect new features like a map showing metered space availability and the ability to pay without downloading the app. Existing zone numbers and meters will remain unchanged.
The City is using multiple communication channels to ensure residents, businesses, and visitors are informed and supported throughout the change. Flowbird will be officially in place by July 1, 2025. Passport payments will be accepted until June 30, 2025.
By choosing Flowbird, the City aims to continue offering a convenient, mobile payment option for parking meters, enhance usability, accessibility, and clarity in public parking while continuing to gather community feedback and monitor system performance.
More information regarding parking services managed by the City of Asheville can be found here.
Background
The City of Asheville’s contract with its previous parking app vendor expired, prompting a competitive procurement process to identify a new provider that could meet the City’s goals for improved service, accessibility, and user experience. Flowbird was selected through this process for its strong performance, added features, and secure, user-friendly platform. The Flowbird app allows drivers to pay for parking from their mobile device or computer, offers app-free payment options, and includes features like real-time meter availability. It also supports multiple payment methods including major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, and provides secure, PCI-compliant transactions. With the ability to manage multiple vehicles, view and export parking history, and receive optional reminders, Flowbird offers a streamlined and flexible solution for Asheville’s parking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Flowbird app is a simple service that allows motorists to pay for parking using their mobile device or computer.
Parking enforcement officers use handheld devices to look up records of valid parking payments. There is no need to print a receipt as evidence of payment. However, you can still print a summary of your tickets via the website my.flowbirdapp.com.
Yes, you can use your account to pay for parking with Flowbird from anywhere. Your Flowbird account can be used in all the locations that use the service.
Yes, your payments made from your Flowbird account are highly secure. The Flowbird payment system is certified to Payment Card Industry standards.
The Flowbird app accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Simply create your account on my.flowbirdapp.com or via the Google Playstore (Android) or Apple IOS (iPhone) applications. Register the license plate number of the vehicle you will be using. During your first Flowbird transaction, you will be prompted to enter your debit/credit card information, which is stored securely so you never have to enter it again.
No, you can't stop a parking session once you've started it. You won't receive a refund for any unused time.
When you register, you need to supply the license plate number of the vehicle that you are going to be parking. At a later stage, you can add/register other vehicles to your account via the My Account page, or when you perform your next parking transaction.
You can access the interface for modifying your personal data from the My Account page of the Flowbird website my.flowbird.com.
If you have selected the option to receive an SMS message to notify you of parking session expiry, you will receive an SMS message.
Contact
Sabrina Tolley
Parking Division Manager
Transportation - Parking Division
City of Asheville