San Francisco might be one of the most expensive places to park in the nation, but the SFMTA is making a small tweak that might (but probably won’t) threaten our crown — according to a release sent by the MTA, parking rates for 1,129 motorcycle parking spaces will be adjusted over the next ten days, and they promise that price adjustments for some car spaces will follow “soon.”
These spaces, all within one of the SFpark pilot program zones, have rates the MTA says are based on research and evaluation of demand in each of the areas. Many downtown spaces for motorcycle riders have been reduced 30 percent from 70 to 50 cents an hour while others are only lowered 10 to 20 cents. Six percent of motorcycle meters where demand is high will increase in price no more than 10 cents.
In a statement sent to media, MTA head Nathaniel Ford said “These changes will make it easier for motorcyclists to find an open parking space, and soon we will do the same for motorists throughout the pilot areas.” This is probably a relief to folks like Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, who yesterday said that SF’s high parking prices are “nickel-and-diming people to death.”
SFPark says they’ll continue to evaluate parking occupancy in the SFPark zones, and will start adjusting prices on a regular, monthly basis starting in 2011.
The meters in these areas still accept coins like Alioto-Pier’s nickels and dimes, but you can also purchase a handy dandy parking card. Since the prices in these areas will not be predictable, it might be a good idea to get the card.
