Parking Meters

In one of the Texas blogs, Mean Rachel, I came across one of her blog posts called “Choose your own Adventure: Austin Parking Meter-Style.” In her blog she complains about the new parking ordinance that is extending parking meter hours beginning August 2011. Currently, meters operate only Monday through Friday from 9am- 5pm and with this new ordinance it will be operating from Monday through Saturday from 8am- 11:59pm. The blogger makes very good points and sets up scenario’s that are very likely to occur. She states how many people go on dates downtowns, have a bit too much to drink and end up taking a cab home. As of now, unless you are parked at one of the few overnight lots, you should expect your car to be towed by the next day.

According to Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Martinez, “Austin expects to make about $1.5 million a year in additional revenue.” Part of this money has already been allotted towards hiring more meter employees to take extra hours. Now the question is, is this extra money really worth it? It has already been stated a good portion of the money will be for new employees and not to mention the cost of adjusting all of the meters established in Austin. There are way more important issues to be dealt with!

I completely agree with all the points the blogger makes. It is clear she is opposed to this whole thing and she definitely states sufficient points to support her thoughts. Downtown Austin is very economically successful. With this parking meter ordinance it is very likely that it will have an effect on downtown business. By increasing meter hours, it is a given that parking garages will also increase their prices, especially the overnight ones.