Why New York City Needs Demand-Based Metered Parking
Free curb parking costs New Yorkers so much – wasted time, congested traffic, and polluted air.
97% of New York City's three million free parking spots are free. Adding meters to just 25% of free parking spots could generate billions of dollars for the city.
Using demand-based pricing, cities can price parking by block — setting the right price to ensure a few curb spaces are open on every block.
It's simple: prices increase when demand is high and decrease when demand is low.
San Francisco successfully piloted demand-based parking and saw:
📉 67% drop in parking search times
📉 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
📉 22% reduction in double parking
📈 30% increase in people visiting entertainment districts
Metered parking is good for drivers. Right now, metered parking rates in New York City are fixed, varying only by location. Using real-time vacancy rates, meters can automatically set prices to keep spaces open — eliminating the need to drive block-by-block for a spot.
Long-term car storage on commercial corridors is bad for business. Metered parking alleviates car congestion, saving space and increasing foot traffic to businesses.
New York City can invest the new revenue from parking meters into every neighborhood by building new public plazas and green spaces, expanding sidewalks and bike lanes, and so much more — making our city healthier and more equitable.
23% of our street space is dedicated to storing cars — even though the majority of New Yorkers are car-free.
We have three million free parking spots. It's time to price them appropriately. This will save New Yorkers money, time, and frustration.
