Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting

 

New Parking Meter Rates in Central Downtown
Effective March 15, 2019

On March 15, 2019, the Parking Authority of Baltimore City adjusted parking meter rates for the fourth 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

CBD Meter Rate Adjustment Study Round 4, Fall 2018

Data for Round 4 of the PABC’s meter rate adjustments were collected from November – December 2018. Detailed findings are below, followed by a chart of rate changes for each block face, and a rate map.  

Rate Change Percentages 

Findings

  • Of the 219 block faces studied, 79 block faces (36%) will increase by $0.25; 77 block faces (35%) will maintain their current rate, and 63 block faces (29%) will decrease by $0.25. Overall, 64% of the block faces will either maintain or decrease their current rate.
Rate Per Hour # of Block Faces % of Total
$3.00 41 19%
$2.75 36 16%
$2.50 14 6%
$2.25 19 9%
$2.00 19 9%
$1.75 17 8%
$1.50 19 9%
$1.25 28 13%
$1.00 26 12%
  • There are now 9 meter rates: $3.00, $2.75, $2.50, $2.25, $2.00, $1.75, $1.50, $1.25, and $1.00. As seen in the table above, 41 block faces (19%) will have a rate of $3.00 per hour; 36 block faces (16%) will have a rate of $2.75 per hour; 14 block faces (6%) will have a rate of $2.50 per hour; 19 block faces (9%) will have a rate of $2.25 per hour; 19 block faces (9%) will have a rate of $2.00 per hour; 17 block faces (8%) will have a rate of $1.75 an hour; 19 block faces (9%) will have a rate of $1.50 per hour; 28 block faces (13%) will have a rate of $1.25 per hour; and 26 block faces (12%) will have a rate of $1.00 per hour.    
  • 41 block faces (19%) have experienced rate increases in all four rounds and will now have a rate of $3.00 per hour.
  • 26 block faces (12%) have experienced rate decreases in all four rounds and will now have a rate of $1.00 per hour.
  • 18 block faces (8%) have experienced rate oscillation (at least one increase and one decrease) during the four rounds.
  • For this round, 1 block face (0.5%) has a rate increase after having a rate decrease in Round 3.
  • For this round, 8 block faces (4%) have a rate decrease after having a rate increase in Round 3.
  • Round 3 resulted in 55 “maintain” block faces (25%) within the target utilization range. Round 4 resulted in 77 “maintain” block faces (35%) within the target utilization range, an increase of 22 block faces (10%). 

51% of the meter rates have stayed the same or gone down, with 42% having decreased, since the original rate of $2.00. 

We anticipate that the percentage of block faces that achieve our target utilization will increase in the future. This would signify an improvement in parking availability as well as a more even distribution of parking utilization throughout Central Downtown Baltimore. 

Central Downtown Parking Meter 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

Downloads

Other cities with demand-based pricing: