QR code parking payment vs pay stations: which to choose for a paid car park
A paid car park only earns money when paying is easy. There are two main ways to take payment without a cashier: a pay station at the barrier, or payment from the driver’s own phone via a QR code. Both work unattended, but they differ in start-up cost, maintenance and who finds them convenient. Here is how to choose.
QR code payment
The driver scans a QR code on a sign or at the entrance, sees the amount and pays by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay — the barrier opens. No payment hardware is needed on site.
- Pros: lowest start-up cost, nothing to break or empty, payment in seconds, works as a backup on large sites too.
- Cons: needs a smartphone with mobile data; some drivers still prefer a terminal.
Pay stations
A terminal at the entry or exit where the driver pays by card or cash and gets a ticket or receipt. Large sites use entry and exit stands that print QR tickets, plus a pay station.
- Pros: familiar to everyone, serves drivers without a phone, handles heavy traffic — hospitals, stations, shopping centres.
- Cons: higher start-up cost, needs space and vandal protection, and cash collection if it takes cash.
What usually works best: both
At the first fully automated REDPARKING car park in Rivne, Ukraine, there is a pay station — and drivers can also skip it by scanning the QR code on a sign or their receipt. Drivers pick what suits them, and the owner does not lose customers in a queue at the terminal. Read more in «The first REDPARKING automated parking in Rivne».
How to choose for your site
- Small car park without staff — start with QR payment: the fastest and cheapest launch.
- High traffic, many one-off visitors — a pay station plus QR as a second option.
- Residents and regular customers — add number plate recognition for barrier-free entry.
What you get with REDPARKING
Hardware, set-up, cloud management of tariffs, subscriptions and reports, training and launch. The subscription is fixed — no percentage of your revenue — and hardware comes with a 12-month warranty. More details: QR code parking payment and parking payment kiosks.
Get a configuration and quote for your site: sales@redparking.tech, +380 96 878 08 08.
