A new automatic parking system using plastic coins embedded with microchips was introduced at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport this week. The coins replace the traditional paper receipts issued from parking gates and carried in the pockets or suitcases of air travellers.
"The new chip-coin technology is easy to use and more environmentally friendly as we can reuse the coins versus one-use paper-coded tickets," said Lynn Kusy, executive director.
Motorists can take the chip with them in their trip to facilitate paying while claiming luggage on their return flight.
The airport parking fee is $5 daily, or $1 for 30 minutes up to $5. The first hour is free.
