PPA: Pay a fee for paying a fee!

[PullTheLever]

I received the second parking ticket of my life yesterday. My inspection had expired, and I forgot to get it renewed. So, I go to pay the ticket, and they charge a $2.50 fee to pay the ticket online or over the phone. Is this a new thing? I don't recall having to pay this for the other ticket I got (a few years ago).

[mixiboi]

Any fee you pay online or on the phone is for the company that is handling that service...which sucks, but it is how it goes when companies outsource these services to other companies...

[raider.adam]

Yeah, the PPA isn't doing anything unusual.

[ShoshTrvls]

If you have free online banking, just have it paid by the bank. The bank sends the check, saving you not just the online charge, but also the cost of a stamp. (Granted, the bank doesn't also send Ina copy of the ticket like PPA wants,but as long as the ticket number is on the check,it will be accepted).

[Pitt]

If you're a dick on the phone they might remove the fee. Ask about it and why it costs $2.50 to pay on the internet. Don't take any stupid answer, just keep asking. They may get rid of it. Being polite doesn't pay for a lot of stuff like this. Just my experience.

[chuckiezip]

i like the online option & use it for my tickets. a few years ago (3-5?), it was in fact free. then they threw the fee in, which is a pain but i just do it (i just get a few tix a year, so it's a nuisance rather than a crisis). i like the online banking option - didn't think it would work. worth a try.

[PullTheLever]

If you have free online banking, just have it paid by the bank. The bank sends the check, saving you not just the online charge, but also the cost of a stamp. (Granted, the bank doesn't also send Ina copy of the ticket like PPA wants,but as long as the ticket number is on the check,it will be accepted).

That is an excellent idea. I already paid it (and the fee) through their website, but if I ever get another ticket I'll try that. Thanks!