University of Houston Parking and Transportation Services is introducing a new, easier way to pay for visitor parking across campus. The updated pay-by-phone platform is designed to be faster and more reliable.
This change applies to the orange text-to-pay spaces located in ungated parking lots on the main campus, as well as at UH Sugar Land, UH Katy, and the UH Technology Bridge. The same system is also used in the visitor parking area on the roof level of the Welcome Center North Garage.
What Is Changing
The new system offers contactless, mobile payment options powered by HONK. Customers
can pay for parking by sending a text message or scanning a QR code. No app download
or account setup is required to complete a parking session.
The platform does not rely on a strong wifi connection. Instead, it uses a cellular-based process that works quickly and consistently.
New signage is being installed in all locations where pay-by-phone parking is offered. These signs will provide simple instructions to guide visitors through the process.
Why We Are Making This Change
We heard feedback that the previous system was difficult and time consuming to use. This change simplifies the process, reduces confusion, and improves the arrival experience for guests attending classes, meetings, events, and athletic activities.
The new system will help reduce congestion during busy periods and allow visitors to get parked and on their way more quickly.
Where Text to Pay Is Used and Where It Is Not
Text to pay and QR code payment options are available only in designated visitor spaces in lots that are not gated, as well as the roof of the Welcome Center North Garage.
There are three parking garages on campus that operate differently. Stadium Garage, Elgin Street Garage, and East Garage each have gated visitor parking areas. In these garages, text to pay is not used.
Visitors parking in these gated garages should take a ticket upon entry and pay when exiting.
Understanding this distinction will help visitors choose the correct parking option and avoid confusion.
Three Ways to Pay
Visitors using locations where text to pay is available have three payment options:
Express Checkout Using a QR Code
- Open the camera on your phone and point it at the QR code on the posted signage.
- Enter your license plate number, select the amount of time needed, and submit payment.
Text to Pay
- Text the Zone ID shown on the signage to 75498.
- Tap the link sent to your phone and complete payment.
Optional App for Repeat Visitors
- Download the HONK app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or at honkmobile.com/park.
- Set up an account by adding a license plate and payment method.
- The app is optional and intended for repeat visitors who prefer saved vehicle and payment information.
Validation for Departments and Colleges
The validation process for departments and colleges that validate visitor parking in pay-by-phone areas is not changing. Departments should continue using the same validation process currently in place.
Only the visitor payment method is changing. Validation procedures and requirements remain the same.
When This Will Take Effect
This update will be implemented soon. Visitors will know the new system is coming when they begin seeing the new text-to-pay signage being installed.