High-tech parking stations that have replaced familiar parking meters in downtown Minneapolis will soon spread to the University of Minnesota and Uptown. The multi-spot meters have mostly won praise, according to the city, because people can pay with a credit card.

But they're also an adjustment for some, who find the instructions confusing or dislike having to remember their parking space's five-digit code.

City traffic engineer Tim Drew compares the learning curve for the new parking system to adapting to pay-at-the-pump technology. "Way back, when I first tried that, I didn't want to have anything to do with it," he said. "Later, you tried it once and why would you go into the store any more?"

Where are they?

Since its debut last year, the new metering system has spread across two-thirds of downtown so far, and will be hitting the University of Minnesota area soon, with the Uptown area and the rest of downtown following next year.

Why is the city removing the old meters?

The 1992-vintage meters need replacement. The new ones are linked to the city's wireless network and can provide data, such as the locations of expired meters or those that are full of coins.

How much do they cost?

Roughly $8,500 per block, to serve about 10 spots.

Are they keeping any traditional single-pole meters?

Yes, about 1,300 in less busy parking spots, although their insides will be replaced and about 500 will take credit cards. All conversions are scheduled to happen by the end of 2012.

How do you use them?

A slim post at each parking space has a five-digit number. There's information on the hours when payment is required, hours when parking isn't allowed, and the maximum time someone can park there. The motorist walks to the electronic pay station, enters the five-digit code and pays by coins or credit card.

What happens if the meter won't accept my credit card?

Try the machine across the street or on another block. With this system, you can top up your parking time at any pay station in the same zone.

Do I have to leave my receipt on the dashboard?

No.

What are people saying about them?

"The machines don't stand out that much," said Ron Leurquin of Richfield. "I've been in a couple of places where I'm thinking, 'I know they're around their somewhere but where are they?'"

Kate Gordhamer of Minneapolis makes up a mini-rhyme so she remembers her parking space number all the way to the pay station. She likes paying with a credit card. "I live in an apartment, so I need my quarters for the washer."

Gerry Tyrrell of Minneapolis, who parks at meters frequently for work, said he appreciates getting a receipt so he can be reimbursed.

Lawrence Lockman of Minneapolis, who finds the new system "very confusing and too complicated," nevertheless got credited with almost seven hours after inserting only $1.50, normally good for only 90 minutes.

Can I use time left over from the person who parked in the space before me?

Yes, but you would have to enter the space numbers into the pay station to find out whether any of them have any remaining time.

Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438