San Francisco Lowers Parking Rates At Some Garages
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The cost of parking all day in one of San Francisco's less popular garages has dropped to as little as $1 or $2, part of a strategy city officials hope will ease congestion by discouraging motorists from circling for a meter.
Rates at premium parking meters meanwhile have reached $4 dollars an hour in some parts of the city.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
Municipal Transportation Agency spokesman Paul Rose said overturning the conventional wisdom that it's cheaper to park at meter could change the dynamic in high traffic areas, such as 16th and Mission, by getting motorists directly into the parking garage.
"That frees up the streets," Rose said, which would allow motorist and Muni buses to move faster.
Not all city-owned garages will cost less, however. Just one-third are lowering rates, Rose said. Most will not change their prices at all, while about eight percent will charge more.
Rose said the higher prices would encourage turnover, much like the parking meter rates that fluctuate with demand.
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