Business owners say meter increases will hurt their revenuePrint Page

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February 11, 2009
By Andrew Goodman
For PlanPhilly

Weekly Press: Business owners incensed over meter increases - another action by the City which will hurt local business

 

Recent legislation passed by City Council granting the Parking Authority leeway to raise fares has business owners from South St. East through South St. West, Antique Row, Center and University City in an uproar.

The twenty-five cents that once gave motorists half an hour’s time in Center and University City Districts now covers only seven and a half minutes. Or in other word, it now cost $2 an hour to park in those areas. And it isn’t just the price of metered parking that’s risen. Parking tickets have increased from $25 to $36 per violation.

Besides the inconvenience the fare hike has wrecked on business owners, many are confused, both by the Parking Authority’s justification of the increase as well as its inability to find alternative solutions.

According to Rina Cutler, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, "The point of raising meters is to reduce congestion and pollution."

 

Click here to read the full Weekly Press article.

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Comments

by seb (not verified) | February 19, 2009 - 1:04pm
The increase in meter rates will "improve" traffic congestion by limiting the number of people who would otherwise stop and shop or dine in Philadelphia. It's an unfortunate change in parking policy for the city. I am a commuter and a driver, am pro public transportation, but also appreciate the convenience of driving so I can be on my own schedule when meetings and events keep me in town in the evening (especially when the alternative is an hour between SEPTA trains after 9 p.m.).
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