Parking meters Downtown have been upgraded to machines that accept credit cards. At the same time, the new parking rate of $1 per hour has gone into effect. It's about time. It's the first time parking rates have changed since 1995. Don't expect this price point to stick around for 18 years.
I know a lot of folks like to whine about parking Downtown, but in general it's really not that bad. You just need to go in with two expectations: first, that you're probably going to have to walk one to three blocks; and second, that if you manage to snag an on-street spot, it's probably not going to be in your ideal location.
When I venture Downtown I'm amused by the lengths of time people will spend trying to find that perfect metered spot. It's a foolish exercise, a tremendous waste of time and energy. It's even more absurd when you factor in the First Hour Free promotion at the various garages scattered across Downtown. Garage parking can often be cheaper and get you closer to your destination.
But enough of that advocacy. The important thing to note here is that you're going to be out a buck an hour if you park at a meter Downtown, but at least you can pay with plastic. Next up: paying by phone.
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We’ve been known to sit in front of Ivanna Cone or on the Mill’s dock watching the circling of the vehicles. I used to make one lap around and then park in the garage, but now I just park it first.
A friend recently got a ticket in the Old Market 5 minutes or so after her meter expired. It’s $18 there now, fyi.
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