Parking Changes: What’s New, What’s Better, and What to Know

If you’ve tried to park in downtown West Chester lately, you’ve probably noticed some changes, some for the better, and some that still take a little getting used to. Over the past year, the borough has rolled out a series of updates aimed at making parking in the area more manageable for residents, visitors, and businesses.

New Touchscreen Kiosks & Pay-by-Plate

The most visible change is the installation of new, solar-powered touchscreen kiosks. These devices are a step up from the old meters, offering a clearer interface and a pay-by-plate system that means you no longer need to display a paper receipt on your dashboard. Payment options are more flexible, including credit cards and mobile pay methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Still, the learning curve is real for anyone used to the old system, and some users have reported that the screens can be slow or finicky, especially in bad weather.

Mobile Payments: Flowbird App & Pay-by-Text

West Chester has also adopted the Flowbird Mobile App, which allows you to pay for parking, get reminders before time runs out, and even extend your session from your phone.

For those who’d rather not download another app, there’s a Pay-by-Text option, where you can text a posted code to 727563, get a secure payment link, and pay without creating an account.

Both options are convenient, when they work smoothly, but as with any tech, occasional glitches or spotty cell service could cause frustration.

Improved Signage

To help drivers navigate the sometimes confusing patchwork of lots, garages, and street parking, the borough has added new “PARK” signs and improved wayfinding. These are a welcome addition, but downtown can still be tricky to navigate during busy times, and finding an open spot isn’t always guaranteed—especially on weekends or during events.

Practical Details

• Enforcement hours:
  • Mon–Wed: 8am–10pm
  • Thu–Fri: 8am–midnight
  • Sat: 5pm–midnight
  • Sun: Free
• Garages: Bicentennial (on High St, between Market & Miner) and Chestnut Street garages are now cashless; bring a card or use digital payment.
• Permits & Guest Passes: Available at the Parking Department office for residents and non-student renters.
• Support: For issues, contact the Parking Department during office hours or the police non-emergency line after hours.

The Bottom Line

West Chester is making a real effort to modernize its parking system, and many of the changes—like more payment options and clearer signage—are steps in the right direction. That said, the transition hasn’t been seamless for everyone, and finding parking downtown can still be a challenge at peak times. If you’re heading into town, it’s worth downloading the Flowbird app or familiarizing yourself with the new kiosks ahead of time. With a little patience and planning, you’ll be able to navigate the new system and (hopefully) spend less time circling the block.