And here we go again.. Last year, at about this time, we heard tell of the first
iPod vending machine (gizmodo). Around the same time we here in Montreal were getting a
new form of parking meter (montreal metblog). Interestingly, while the new meters in Montreal are taking advantage of the consumer:
Unlike the old meters where the following patron could benefit from my overpayment, they are required to start from scratch.
The decidedly more sci-fi payment system
recently unveiled in Vancouver (vancouver sun) is taking an opposite tack:
you can pay parking meters from your cellphone, get a text message warning the meter is about to expire and even top up the meter without going outside...
...Motorists can call a city phone number, provide the number of the meter and order exactly as much time as they need, up to the normal limit of the meter. That means no more plugging a dollar or two into the meter when you intend to stay only 15 minutes but you're short of exact change...
...If people use less time than they ordered, they can call to have the excess time deducted.
Nevertheless, Japan has been selling almost everything out of vending machines since before time, including beer, porn, 'used' schoolgirl panties, batteries, and more.
Pictures follow.
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the guys: philogynist jaime tony - the gals:raymi raspil
