Drivers say they’re being overcharged at QR-code parking lots in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Some Louisville drivers say they’re paying more than expected at QR-code parking lots across the city — and consumer complaints are piling up.

WDRB spoke with people headed to a Louisville Bats game Friday who said the posted price to park was lower than what they were actually charged once they scanned a code and paid online.

One family said the lot’s sign showed $21, but their credit card was billed $24. Others shared identical experiences.

In fine print on the app’s payment screen, the company discloses that “rates shown don’t include sales tax or service fees.” But the total price — including those fees — doesn’t appear until after drivers hit the “pay” button.

PMC, a Nashville-based company, manages about 25 parking lots across Louisville. The company sets prices based on demand and splits revenue with lot owners.

In July, a reporter parked in a PMC lot that advertised $26. The final charge was more than $30. Customer service later offered a $5 refund and said the company was “working on building this out to reflect taxes and fees in the future.” Weeks later, nothing had changed.

The Better Business Bureau has logged nearly 200 complaints against PMC, with customers alleging overcharges, misleading pricing and poor customer service.

When asked why fees aren’t displayed upfront, PMC declined to answer specific questions but provided the following statement:

“Hospitality is of the utmost importance to PMC. We’re always working to improve a guest’s experience, especially when it comes to ensuring the accuracy of a guest’s parking session. If a guest believes they’ve been incorrectly charged, there are many ways they can contact PMC to rectify, and the BBB happens to be one of those ways. We strive to answer any BBB complaints we receive in a timely manner and in a way that resolves the guest’s concerns.”

Drivers who feel they’ve been overcharged should document everything, contact the company directly and file a complaint with the BBB, since complaints are public and can pressure a response.

To save money, drivers are encouraged to compare options before paying at a QR-code lot. For example, near Louisville Slugger Field, meters are free after 6 p.m., and two nearby lots charge just $10.

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