When a user taps their NFC-enabled phone against the sticker, the system automatically recognizes the driver and identifies the parking location. The user then enters the amount of time they want to purchase to complete the transaction.

The system also sends a text message reminder before the parking period expires, and if needed, allows additional time to be purchased by phone from any location. Payment is processed using a credit or debit card associated with the mobile phone number, and receipts are automatically sent to the user’s email account.

“This is one of the largest deployments of NFC technology in the United States and shows the practical benefits this technology can deliver in terms of ease of use and convenience,” said Neil Podmore, vice president of business development at PayByPhone. “There has been a lot of hype around NFC recently and PayByPhone is pleased to now put the technology in the field for real world applications.”

PayByPhone, the largest provider of payment systems for parking across North America, has ongoing contracts in more than 60 cities, towns and universities including Miami, Dallas, Vancouver, London, Paris and now San Francisco.

The NFC solution is now live in San Francisco’s Castro district, with a citywide rollout to follow shortly.