City of Seattle wants to inform the community of the on-street paid parking rate changes occurring in the University District. Changes should begin this week the rate will be going from $2/hr to $1.50/hr.
The rates were set based on the results of a Citywide Paid Parking Study that occurred in November 2010. More information about the study and rate-setting methodology is available on-line at: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/parking/paidparking.htm. These changes are the first steps in a multi-year effort to set parking rates using a data-driven and outcome based process.
How You Will Know
The rate change in the U District should take four to five business days. One to two days before a new rate goes into effect, SDOT will apply a new rate sticker on each pay station.
Other Parking Changes
Two other parking initiatives are underway to improve customer service and access to businesses. At the same time that the parking rate change occurs, customers will be able to use the next-day pre-payment option. Pay stations will open at 10PM to sell parking tickets for the following morning, allowing greater convenience for both neighborhood visitors and residents leaving their car parked overnight. This effort is part of the Mayor's Nightlife Initiative and more information can be found at http://mayormcginn.seattle.gov/nightlife/.
The second initiative is the extension of paid parking hours until 8PM in neighborhoods with active nightlife and high evening parking demand, including the U District. This extension will occur between May and September.
I've appreciated working with you all on parking issues in the U District please let me know if you have any questions.
Allison Schwartz
Transportation Planner
Seattle Department of Transportation
Policy & Planning
(206) 386-4654
allison.schwartz@seattle.gov
