Buffalo Roam

The Buffalo Roam app is very easy to use .... but what’s up with the .10 cent surcharge. It’s a real pain. I guess some bright eyes accountant thought this would be an easy way for users to keep replenishing their account and using the app. Why doesn’t the City just pay the .10 cent fee. I’m sure they’re saving many dollars by using this app. to keep track of parking. It has to be cheaper than sending out a pair of high payed city workers to empty the meters.

I parked in zone 17 (Delaware Ave between north and Allen), I used the app at 8 am (2 hr parking) near Allen, at 950am I moved my vehicle much closer to where I was (north st) and at my expiring time 10am, the app would not allow me to pay again. It stated my allotted time was up. I then put $2 worth of quarters in the meter. When I went to my vehicle at 1142 am to leave the area (18 minutes remaining) I had a parking ticket with a time stamp at 1053am. After several phone calls, including a personal one to Kevin Helfer (unreturned) I was told it is only 2 hr parking at the meters. After explaining that I left my original spot and paid cash at the second spot, they did not care. In my opinion, pay cash and they can’t track your vehicle. Zone 17 is large. Hopefully you can conduct your business in under 2 hours. Absolute joke!!!

First, the parking rules in Buffalo are stupid. Every 3rd spot has a different rule?! "10 hr parking" but you can only park between 9AM and 5PM. But that can't be held against the app. The app is simple, easy to use and works well when the meter maid takes the time so see if your car is being paid for by the app. I've gotten 5, yes FIVE tickets in the first month of using the app. Once, the meter maid put in the wrong country for the plate (Canada vs US), twice I was 'parked illegally' in the 10 hour parking zone that only allows for eight hours of parking, and then twice as the meter maid didn't check the app to see if I was paid thru it. Regardless of the reason, you still have to go to city hall and wait on the 'judge' so it will waste a few hours of your day if the meter maid doesn't check the app. Use at your own risk is how I would label the app!