Cambridge’s move to pay stations means fewer broken parking meters and another way to pay: credit cards. But rates are doubling and hours are being extended at two lots in Central Square getting the new devices. (Photo: rekha6)

Parking rates are doubling and pay hours extended by four hours in two city-owned lots, city public information officer Ini Tomeu said Friday.

Effective Monday, old single-space meters charging 50 cents for an hour of parking will be replaced in Central Square at Green and Pleasant Streets, also called Lots 8 and 9, by “pay stations” that take credit cards as well as quarters. The rate will be $1 for an hour — the same as on-street meters, Tomeu said.

Paid-parking hours, now 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., will be extended to 10 p.m.; the maximum time limit is two hours until 6 p.m. and four hours after that.

“The pay-by-credit card option will make it easier for users to pay without worrying about having enough quarters,” Tomeu said. “The additional nighttime hours will provide spaces for patrons taking advantage of the evening activities in Central Square.”

As in other city lots, such as on Springfield Street in Inman Square, drivers pay at a machine and put a receipt on the dashboard of their car so parking enforcers know they have bought time.

Earlier this year the city extended paid-parking hours by two, to 8 p.m., in Harvard Square.

This post was written from a press release.