TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taichung City Government on Tuesday announced it will launch a paperless smart parking program on Sept. 8, with roadside spaces marked by a green logo and “P” symbol.

Drivers will be able to check and pay parking fees online shortly after parking, eliminating the need for paper receipts. The city plans to install 27,000 smart parking spaces by 2030 to improve efficiency, according to UDN.

Transportation Bureau Director Ye Chao-fu (葉昭甫) said planning began last year, with NT$2.6 billion (US$87 million) allocated over the next five years. The initial rollout will include 1,000 image-recognition parking spaces this year, starting along Shizheng, Henan, Huimin, Huilai, and Fengda roads, all near the National Taichung Theater.

Signs will display fees and QR codes for online payment. The second phase will target areas around the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts.

The bureau expects the first wave to reduce parking ticket issuance by about 25,000 per month and cut two ticket-issuing staff positions. The image-recognition system will also provide real-time information on space availability, reducing the average time spent searching for a spot by five to eight minutes.

Officials said Taichung’s population has reached 2.87 million due to convenient transportation, abundant jobs, and good weather, contributing to heavier traffic and parking shortages.

Payment options will include mobile apps such as iPASS and iCash Pay, as well as the Taichung Transportation Network app and telecom services like Far EastTone.