Seattle-parking2.jpg
Parking will go up, in some neighborhoods, to $4 per hour. (KIRO Radio/file photo)

Seattle street parking up to $4 per hour

BY Tim Haeck  on January 14, 2011 @ 12:08 pm (Updated: 1:30 pm - 3/28/11 )

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By TIM HAECK
KIRO Radio

The city of Seattle is adopting what it calls "market rate" pricing for on-street parking. That means you could pay as much as $4 an hour if you park in high demand areas of the city such as downtown, First Hill or Pioneer Square.

"When we set parking rates, they're being set based on the data, based on what we know about how people are parking in their neighborhoods using the paid parking system," said Charles Bookman, city traffic management director.

The city announced Friday it will divide Seattle into 22 different zones, charging between one-dollar and four-dollars an hour for on-street parking. In some neighborhoods, parking hours will extend to 8 p.m. The lowest rate is $1 an hour.

The city gathered data last November on an hourly basis about parking habits throughout the city and used that data to set the new rates.

"What we're trying to find is the sweet spot where you can come up looking for a parking space and you will find one or two spaces open for you, on average," said Bookman.

The new rates take effect in the next few months as the city re-programs its parking pay stations.

Next, the city will consider parking rates that change by time of day.

Tim Haeck, KIRO Radio Reporter
Tim Haeck is a news reporter with KIRO Radio. While Tim is one of our go-to, no-nonsense reporters, he also has a sensationally dry sense of humor and it will surprise some to learn he is a weekend warrior.
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Comments (20)


  • Add A Comment

  • Hawkman wrote...
    There are a lot of other places to shop
    January 14, 2011 1:00 pm
    other than downtown. Parking officials trying thier best to kill shops downtown. Good luck to those shop owners.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • wonderfullone wrote...
    Say goodbye to restuarants and bars
    January 14, 2011 1:10 pm
    without off street parking.

    Happy hour is nice, if the meter is off.

    Way to kill private industry, service industry, and Seattle night life that is actually beneficial.

    I'm glad the pistol toting punks can pre-pay for parking in the morning.

    lol

    Seattle will burn this year, and all you mush-heads will blame Sarah.

    You deserve to be so dam stupid.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ryanurie44 wrote...
    Why not go to Northgate
    January 14, 2011 1:12 pm
    Why the heck would you waist the time to drive downtown look for a spot when and if you finally get one, pay like your in a parking garage. OK Seattle we get it you HATE!! business. I ride a bike so this will not effect me but how about charge us bike riders $1 an hour or something to park our bikes and take some of the load off the cars. This is what you get when you elect a Sierra Club member.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hpitantso wrote...
    Start the boycott
    January 14, 2011 1:14 pm
    Mayor Mike "The Bike" will have the raft of Commerce at his door 24/7. how about rolling cars block every intersection on a month like they have done with the rouge bikers
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hpitantso wrote...
    Once a month
    January 14, 2011 1:15 pm
    Start the boycott ( New Entry ) Mayor Mike "The Bike" will have the raft of Commerce at his door 24/7. how about rolling cars block every intersection once a month like they have done with the rouge bikers
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • wonderfullone wrote...
    Oh, and I'll add
    January 14, 2011 1:16 pm
    because I have to.

    Just for those who want the truth.

    The city claims that this will increase revenue.

    They lie like a friggin rug.

    Not only will parking revenue decrease, but so will all of the property and B&O tax they currently receive.

    You really deserve to be called stupid, dam stupid.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • wonderfullone wrote...
    Ah, and sales tax will take another nose dive
    January 14, 2011 1:46 pm
    Are you stupid idiots really that stupid?

    Yes

    Too bad we don't have an opposition party in Seattle to de-fund the meter maids.

    friggin crooks

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Great idea!
    January 14, 2011 2:01 pm
    How about slow cars block every intersection like they have done with the rouge bicyclists. THAT would never be allowed.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Informed wrote...
    HA no way
    January 14, 2011 3:02 pm
    Crime, street people, gangs and now overcharged for parking? Nope not me. Seeya pikes place.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • prelude1234 wrote...
    Glad I left...
    January 14, 2011 3:28 pm
    Seattle, too many liberals there who just want to take from the middle class and give to the lazy bums or illegals or whoever else that didn't work hard for it. Seattle is God forsaken, unfortunately.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }