People who park in an old city-owned downtown garage soon will be able to pay with a credit card.

A new payment system has been installed at the State Street parking ramp, which opened in 1970.

The garage on State Street has been a cash-only facility since it opened 51 years ago.(Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The garage on State Street has been a cash-only facility since it opened 51 years ago.(Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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It replaces an antiquated system that would only accept cash. The lack of a credit card option frequently frustrated Binghamton University students and other downtown visitors.

The old keycards that had been used by people who paid a monthly parking fee don't work with the new system. A sign advises monthly parkers to obtain new cards at the new parking garage at Washington and Hawley streets.

The entrance of the State Street garage on June 23, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The entrance of the State Street garage on June 23, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Those who use the State Street garage may welcome the modernized payment system but they'll still have to contend with no elevators.

Five years ago, Mayor Richard David said there were plans to install two new elevators in the twelve-floor parking facility. But structural and engineering issues caused those plans to be scrapped.

Elevators in the State Street garage have not operated for several years. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Elevators in the State Street garage have not operated for several years. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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