Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting

New Parking Meter Rates in Central Downtown
Effective February 1, 2018

Data collected from October 17, 2017, to November 16, 2017, found the following:

  • On 36% of blocks, the rate should go down $0.25 because average occupancy rates were below 75% (too low)
  • On 43% of blocks, the rate should go up $0.25 because average occupancy rates were above 85% (too high)
  • On 21% of blocks, the rate should not change because average occupancy rates were between 75% and 85% (just right)

Parking Meter Rate Adjustments Needed

Central Downtown Parking Meter Rate Adjustments

New Parking Meter Rates

Central Downtown Parking Meter Rates Map Feb 2018

Walk a block, Save a buck!

Walk a Block, Save a Buck

 $2.50/hr blocks within a 3-minute walk of $1.50/hr blocks 

Blocks with $2.50 Rates Adjacent to Blocks with $1.50 Rates

 

What is demand-based parking meter rate setting?

Beginning in the Summer of 2017, the Parking Authority of Baltimore City started using demand for parking spaces to determine the hourly parking meter rate on blocks in Central Downtown. Using data collected every six months, the Parking Authority will adjust rates to help create one or two available parking spaces on each block, making it easier for parkers to find parking downtown and spend more time enjoying Baltimore.

What's the goal?

To reach our goal of one or two available parking spaces per block (15-25% availability; or 75-85% occupancy), we must use the right rate - the lowest rate that will regularly produce one or two available parking spaces on each block face.

How does it work?

Data will be collected and analyzed every six months to determine the average occupancy rate on each block. Meter rates will be adjusted incrementally and slowly. Rates will be adjusted up or down in $0.25 increments no more than once every six months.

  • If occupancy is higher than 85% in a particular block, the rate will go up.
  • If occupancy is lower than 75% in a particular block, the rate will go down.
  • If occupancy is between 75% and 85%, the rate will not change

Demand Based Parking Meter Rate Setting

Downloads

Other cities with demand-based pricing: