Companies will soon compete for the chance to collect your parking money in downtown Phoenix. This week, the City Council will vote to request proposals for a pay-by-phone service.

More than two years ago, Pango launched its smartphone app in Phoenix. Users register their credit card and license-plate information to pay for on-street parking. Customers are charged 7 cents per transaction.

A city report says more than 6,500 people have signed up, and the pay-by-phone option added $26,000 in gross revenues last year. The current contract will expire in November. 

Vendors submitting proposals must be self-sufficient and require no city capital or operating expenses. Key factors for selecting a vendor will include expertise and proven experience and available parking location information for users.