Transportation

Wichita expands paid parking kiosks, draws mixed reactions

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August 5, 2025

One month after introducing paid parking kiosks in downtown Wichita, Kansas the city is expanding the system to additional lots as part of a phased rollout, according to a KWCH report.

The kiosks require drivers to enter their license plate number to pay, a shift from the previous meter-based system. Officials indicated this is just the first phase, with plans for future expansion into parking garages and on-street spaces.

The system has been met with mixed reactions from residents, according to the news report. Some have expressed frustration. "It is a shock," Brianna Assimonye, a lifelong Wichitan, told the news outlet. "I don't think we should have paid parking here in Wichita."

Others have found the system to be clunky compared to similar systems in other cities, while some visitors have reported no issues and find the $1 per hour rate to be reasonable. City officials are acknowledging the feedback and plan to improve signage and the user experience as the system continues to grow.