Government and Politics

Automated Kiosks For Divorces, Fines & Taxes

Across the nation, cities and states are installing ATM-like kiosks which allow people to use their credit cards to pay parking tickets, get license plates or even prepare divorce papers. The machines are being installed in busy locations, such as shopping malls and train stations, by governments anxious to cut costs and improve public satisfaction.

  • Experts estimate that there are 19,000 government kiosks nationwide -- with many more to come.

  • Consumers touch a screen to choose from a menu of services and swipe their credit cards through a slot to pay municipal fees.

  • The machines cost as much as $17,000 each, but promoters say they are less expensive than hiring more clerks or constructing more buildings.

  • Kiosks in San Antonio print out information on property taxes and city job openings, as well as display pictures of animals available for adoption at the city pound.

Officials in New York City, which has an ambitious kiosk program, report that an average of 14,000 people use 37 kiosks there every week.

Source: Carol Jouzaintis, "Step Right Up, and Pay Your Taxes and Tickets," USA Today, October 2, 1997.

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