At first, I thought I had gotten away with something. As I was leaving the parking lot of a big box store, the gate opened before I could even fish out my validated ticket. The relief I felt at not having to figure out where and which part of the ticket to scan was immense: those automatic gates can be so finicky, and a line of cars behind you waiting to exit the busy lot only makes the situation more stressful.
When I returned a few weeks later, I had my ticket handy, but I made certain to use the same gate. Sure enough, I was on my way out before I could even roll down my window, and I did a little happy dance in my seat. Curiosity made me try another gate the next time, mostly because it seemed so impossible for any machinery to read a parking ticket that was closed up in a car. But again, the barrier lifted as I approached.
The next phase of research would probably require not getting my ticket validated to see if they are just pretending to charge for parking, but that? Would entail being unprepared at the gate, and you know, that line of cars. So, for now my inquiry is on hold.
But whatever that technology is? I'm a fan!
What if you later found out that your EZ Pass has been paying for it the entire time? It sounds like another case for Encyclopedia Brown.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting it is to get something for free (or have the perception that you did). I'm parking at the hospital and hoping for that automatic opening.
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