downtown
park it A brief how-to on navigating parking options B Y O L I V I A PAU L P HOTO B Y J O H N M IC HAE L SIMP SO N
The Do’s
• Park in one of the 4,000 off-street spaces in parking decks and lots. • Plan to park once in one of the decks, then walk or take a scooter to visit the abundance of shops, restaurants and cultural offerings in downtown. • Visit downtown in the evenings and on the weekends, as parking in the decks and plenty of on-street spots are free of charge after 7 p.m. on weeknights and on Saturdays, Sundays and city holidays.
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• Save time while parking in a deck by using the pay stations by the elevators as you return to your vehicle. • Press the call button at the gate for customer service 24/7 if you have a problem.
The Don’ts
• Waste time and gas by circling around and looking for a spot on the street when spaces are available in parking decks. • Double park or block fire hydrants or intersections, even if it’s for a few minutes, as this can result in harmful accidents and hinders emergency response for those in need. • Risk getting a ticket to avoid a few dollars for parking when you could easily pay by phone or at a nearby pay station. • Leave your vehicle unlocked or valuables in view. • Drink and drive – take a ride-hailing service, taxi or bus, and come back the next day to pick up your vehicle.
The More You Know
A new platform to update mobile payment technologies will be in place by the end of the year, making it easier for downtown visitors to pay for parking by phone and in advance. The city offers anyone working in the area a $70 per month discounted monthly parking permit for customers at or below 60% of the area median income. There’s also an evening parking permit for $80 per month for customers who arrive after 3 p.m.