Using Bitcoin to Pay Parking Tickets in New YorkUsing Bitcoin may soon become a mainstream method of paying parking tickets in the city of New York.
The city’s Department of Finance is currently taking this subject under consideration.As a matter of fact, the department has issued a request to look for new ways to improve the application of parking laws.Here is a ditto copy of the issue that was requested by the department:“The New York City Department of Finance (DOF) is issuing a Request for Information to obtain information on mobile solutions for payment and hearing scheduling for parking tickets.Prospective vendors should understand that this RFI is not a request for proposal but rather a request for information that will assist the City in understanding:A) the current market environment for mobile payment options that could provide greater ease for vehicle owners; andB) the current market for technologies that would allow someone to request a hearing and submit evidence.”Exploring New Ways Of PaymentIn New York City, more than 8 million parking tickets are issued every year.
The Department of Finance collects an estimated sum of $550 million in revenue from these parking tickets.They also receive an extra $1.5 million from parking court. The current method of payment allows offenders to use online payment systems, mail or cash.
Since the department is trying to spread the payment reach to mobile, the possibility allowing offenders to use Bitcoin arises.The department is asking companies to come forward with suggestions. A cover letter with a company background is what they are looking for.This used by credit card companies, ApplePay and PayPal.
However, given the fact that Bitcoin is a distributed technology, this particular format for a cover letter is not really applicable.Bitcoin does not have a central authority. However, it does have ambassadors who zealously represent the cryptocurrency.Using Bitcoin ?Such an ambassador can promote Bitcoin and share valuable information with the Department of Finance.
A potential idea could involve making tickets that generate their individual target wallets, hence allowing each person to identify the blockchain as an evidence of payment.There are several others that could be employed. It all depends on how good the ideas of the Bitcoin ambassadors will be.Interacting with the DoFIt doesn’t have to be a Bitcoin ambassador who pitches these ideas.
It could be anyone who has a sound knowledge of how Bitcoin works. If you’re interested in sharing your ideas, then you could inform the Department of Finance by the 15th of January 2015 3:00 EST.The Future of Bitcoin in New YorkThe future of the Bitcoin is still undecided in the City of New York. The State of New York are open to the idea of regulating cryptocurrency.Meanwhile, a graduate course on Bitcoin has been recently completed in New York University. Perhaps, there is a place for Bitcoin in the City of New York after all.