City increases downtown parking rates

[Human Torch]

It's annoying because there are more and more people that are taking the parking spots at the acad/sait lot then hopping on the train downtown. I used to be able to get a $4 spot in the parkade at 9 am but now the lot is always full before 830 and I end up paying $7 at the outdoor lot instead. I can't wake up early, I need my beauty sleep!

[Dion]

Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart understands....

"If ever there was a cash cow, it is the Calgary Parking Authority -- forget Multanova cameras used by the police," said Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart, who's long fought for more parking downtown.

"Not only do we penalize people by limiting parking downtown, we gouge them once they do find a stall."

Dale Fraser doesn't get it.......

The CPA has a mandate, enforced by city council, to keep prices on par with those at private lots, to keep the system balanced.

If you want the real culprit, Fraser points to a privately owned lot at 3 St. and 6 Ave. S.W., which raised its hourly rate to $12.60 an hour, forcing the CPA's hand.

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/...07521-sun.html

[SeeGeeWhy]

You've gotta pay for all the infrastructure expansion somehow - why not get it from the people who use the system the most?

Next I expect to see toll booths on the ring road and taxes for communities that are having interchanges and transit infrastructure built in proximity.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by fotze

they could also make a few cuts, something that every other organization in the world that has a budget is doing right now.

the problem with them is there revenue stream isnt likely to drop (the Parking Authority, not the City of course)

I used the ParkPlus with my cell phone, great little invention, yah its a b!tch to pay to park but at least its convienient now.