Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting

New Parking Meter Rates in Central Downtown
Effective August 23, 2018

On August 23, 2018, the Parking Authority of Baltimore City adjusted parking meter rates for the third time in Central Downtown using Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting. Using occupancy data collected every six months, the Parking Authority is adjusting rates slowly and incrementally (no more than 25₵ every six months) to produce one or two available parking spaces on each block face (15-25% availability; or 75-85% occupancy).

The following formula is used to determine rate adjustments:

  • If the average occupancy rate is above 85% in a block (higher than the target range), the rate will go up to discourage some parkers from parking on this block, creating more available parking spaces.
  • If the average occupancy rate is below 75% in a block (lower than the target range), the rate will go down to encourage more parkers to park on this block.
  • If the average occupancy rate is between 75% and 85% (the target range), the rate will not change because there are already one or two parking spaces available.Demand Based Parking Meter Rate Setting

Data collected from April 24, 2018, to June 9, 2018, found the following:

  • On 41% of blocks, the rate should increase $0.25 because average occupancy rates were above 85% (too high)
  • On 34% of blocks, the rate should decrease $0.25 because average occupancy rates were below 75% (too low)
  • On 25% of blocks, the rate should not change because average occupancy rates were between 75% and 85% (just right)

Parking Meter Rate Adjustments Needed

Rate Adjustments Needed

New Parking Meter Rates

As of August 23, 2018

New parking meter rates in CBD August 23, 2018

Walk a block, Save a buck!

Walk a Block, Save a Buck

Park a Block Away and Save at Least $1.00 per hour 

Blocks with $1 or more cheaper rates a block away

Going to one of the blocks in red? Save yourself at least $1.00 per hour by parking on a nearby block colored in blue.

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

 

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Other cities with demand-based pricing: