If nothing else, we fans of mobile payments will be able to show off pay-by-phone when we park our cars. The Chicago Transit Authority has joined a growing number of cities offering mobile payment options for commuters who need to feed a parking meter. The CTA announced that customers at 14 CTA Park & Ride lots will be able to use their mobile phones to pay for parking.

The CTA is working with Parkmobile on the project. Parkmobile has implemented similar pay-by-phone programs in dozens of cities including Nashville, Tenn. and Charlotte, N.C.

Customers of Parkmobile can make a payment through Parkmobile's mobile app, website or even by calling Parkmobile directly. They simply enter the number of their parking space to begin the transaction. Once paid, the patron even receives a text alerts when about 15 minutes of the parking session are left.

"This mobile payment method will make for a seamless travel experience for our riders," said CTA President Forrest Claypool in a statement. "This is another example of the CTA using technology to improve and streamline the customer experience.”

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