Best Parking Apps for West Chester PA Lots
Flowbird tops the list for West Chester PA parking lots. The Borough runs Flowbird on surface lots, Chestnut Street Garage first floor, and new pay-by-plate kiosks. Your 2021 BMW M3 fits standard spots with no issues. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play. Enter your plate number. Pay with your phone. Get text alerts when time runs low.
West Chester switched to Flowbird in November 2024. You pay by plate, so skip the dashboard receipt. The app shows open spots on a map. It links to Waze for directions. Extend your session from anywhere. No need to return to your car. It syncs with kiosks that replaced old meters. On-street parking limits to 3 hours. Use lots for longer stays.
Pay-by-Text skips the app. Spot the code on signs or kiosks. Text it to 727563. Flowbird sends a secure link. Add your plate and card info. Finish in seconds. Choose this if you hate downloads.
Step-by-Step: Start with Flowbird
- Download the Flowbird app.
- Open it and tap the map for West Chester spots.
- Type your license plate and select time.
- Pay with your card.
- Get a text at 80% time left. Add more minutes remotely.
Rates stay cheap. Borough garages include Bicentennial at 20 South High Street and Chestnut at 14 East Chestnut. Call police at 610.696.2700 for issues after 4pm.
Compare Parking Apps
| App | Best For | West Chester Support | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowbird | Borough lots & kiosks | Full | Pay by plate, extend remotely |
| Pay-by-Text | No app needed | Full | Text to 727563 |
| BestParking | Nearby garage bookings | Partial | Save up to 50% |
| SpotHero | Philly area garages | Limited | Hourly reservations |
| ParkMobile | Regional spots | None official | Easy search |
Stick to Flowbird in the 19380 zip code. Others work near Philly, 20 miles away. They risk fines here.
Tips to Save Time and Cash
- Park in free lots during events when streets fill up.
- Check the Borough's online map for real-time spots.
- Appeal tickets to parkingdepartment@west-chester.com.
- Track your BMW M3 sessions to dodge fines.
- Use lots over streets for long visits.
Sidekick tracks all your vehicle costs, including parking, to optimize ownership. (512 words)