Fourth demand-responsive price change for South Boston meters in effect

The Boston Transportation Department (BTD), the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM), and the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) announced the implementation of a fourth demand-responsive price change for the City of Boston’s ongoing Performance Parking Pilot Program is effective beginning today.

The minimum price at meters will remain at $1 per hour, and the maximum will increase from $3 per hour to $3.50 per hour at meters in the South Boston Waterfront pilot area.  Roughly 48 percent of the meter rates remain unchanged since the last demand-responsive price change went into effect in August.

Prices vary by four time bands (weekdays 8am-12pm; 12pm-rpm; 4pm-8pm; and all days Saturday.)  Prices are posted on meters and are available online on our pilot website.  Parking meters are free on Sundays in the City of Boston.

The South Boston Waterfront pilot program began in January and will continue through the end of 2017.  During this time, prices are being adjusted every two months and will remain consistent in two-month increments.  Prices will stabilize when occupancy reaches the target of about one open space per block.

The performance parking pilot program’s objectives are to help manage curb space more efficiently, ultimately reducing congestion, emissions and distracted driving from vehicles cruising for parking.  Studies show that up to 30 percent of traffic on city streets is related to circling for a curbside parking space.  The City of Boston wants to improve the experience for short-term parkers, increase turnover and maintain healthy street and sidewalk activity in our business districts.