How To Be a Good Guy Montrealer at the Parking Meter
Remember old school parking meters? Remember that if you drove away from them and there was still time left on the meter the next driver would be able to use that time and we’d all high five and be friends? Remember how when the Ville de Montreal introduced the new meters that all changed?
In fact, if you put money in the meter for a spot that already has money in it, putting in the new money resets the whole thing and even if the guy ahead of you had 2 hours left, you get none if it. The city? The city gets all of it. They could be getting paid multiple time for the same duration of time. What a nifty scheme. However, there is a solution. Or at least, something you can do if you feel like being a nice guy. Is there extra time left on your meter when you’re getting back to your car? Sweet. Fold up your ticket and shove it in the pay meter (as shown below). It’s not foolproof, but at least there’s a chance you’ll be helping someone out afterwards. If you find a ticket for your spot and save some money that way, I am sure it will feel like the best thing in the world. 
BRILLANT
I’ve handed off my ticket to a person waiting just because I don’t want the city getting all my money. I don’t understand why they don’t set a timer on spots. it’s not hard and it would make paying citizens a hell of a lot happier. what is it now … $.25 for 5 minutes downtown? ugh.
this idea needs to get out.
The city gets nothing more or less. They sold the parking “rights” to Stationnement de Montréal for a fixed sum and that company takes ths money.
wait, so if a person goes to top up a meter and has say 20 mins remaining, they lose the time they already paid for? that’s bullshit!
and is hank’s comment true?
wtf
Someone in Toronto once asked me for my parking pass, which had already expired. My car window was closed (it was December and therefore cold outside) and I told him no, multiple times, but he wouldn’t go away.
I already do a variation on this. I stick my ticket in the seam where the Parking spot number (AB 101 in white on blue) fits into the pole. I don’t cover the number completely, but it’s plainly clear what’s there, and they can’t miss it (you need to know the number to pay).