The convenience of using the e-park system in downtown Ann Arbor was underscored perfectly on a recent rainy lunch hour.

Thunder and lightning had given way to a light drizzle as I parallel parked on Williams Street near the Cottage Inn.

Perfect weather to try out the e-park pay-by-phone feature.

From my driver’s seat, I referred to the brochure I had picked up earlier (also very convenient; located in Plexiglas holders on the side of e-park stations).

I dialed 1-888-450-PARK, and followed the directions of the friendly recorded voice.

“The credit card system is very secure,” Joe Morehouse had assured me the day before. “We meet or exceed all credit card industry standards.” Joe is the Deputy Director of the Ann Arbor DDA, so he should know.

The first time using 1-888-450-PARK requires a quick set up of the account. I then proceeded to furnish the location number (NOTE: the location number for all of Ann Arbor is 4855), space number and paid for an hour of parking. Done.

I grabbed my umbrella and hit the street to see how people were receiving the e-park system. I quickly encountered a man in his 20’s dressed business casual.

“Is this your first time using the machine?”

“No it’s my second.”

“All you have to do is put in your parking space number,” he volunteered. “Then you, uh, press one to purchase, then you put your coins in or swipe your card. Then you press okay and grab your receipt. Not too hard.”

As I watched other people use the e-park system, I was struck by how quickly they adapted to using it. They didn’t look around for a meter and weren’t perplexed by the e-park stations.

The stations are prominent, directions are clearly written and people - young and old - simply followed the simple steps to pay for their parking. Another convenience? You can charge as little as .30 cents on your credit card.

I decided to extend my parking by phone and it was even faster than the first time. I dialed the same number, keyed in the Ann Arbor location number 4855, my parking space number and the amount of time I wanted. It was that easy. As I looked up, I noticed the rain was subsiding and the sun was coming out from behind a bank of clouds. Perfect.