[frinkprof]

Cross-posting in this thread. Also posted in the Calgary Public Transit thread

Reservable parking stalls at LRT lots opposed


By Lea Storry, Calgary Herald February 13, 2011 7:12 AM

Some aldermen are criticizing a proposal to make up to half of the parking spots at LRT park-and-ride lots reservable while charging $70 for the service.

The proposal, to be discussed by city council Monday, comes in the wake of the December decision to axe the daily $3 parking fee. The changes are slated to take effect in April.

[...]

Ward 5 Ald. Ray Jones voted to get rid of the daily fee, but said keeping up to 50 per cent of spots for reservations is too high.

"I think we should start with 25 per cent . . . and see how it works," said Jones. "We should at least experiment with it."

[...]

A survey done this past January by the transportation department found 23 per cent of current and former park-and-ride users would be interested in paying for reserved parking spaces with the average willing to cough up $70 a month.

[...]

Will Stach takes the LRT to get to his classes at the University of Calgary. The 20-year-old used to park at the Southland LRT Station, but stopped after the fee was introduced. He added he won't be shelling out 70 bucks for a primo parking spot either.

"It's not really in my budget to do that," said Stach. "I'm used to taking the bus now to the train. It's a habit."

[...]

"People want more transit," noted Pincott. "I think Calgarians are saying, and have been saying for years, if you give us an efficient transit system that works, then I will use it."

Link to the rest of the article