Implementing paid on-street parking in some areas downtown Tacoma can help if it is done with great care and finesse.

The main issues for on-street parking are

1) When would charging for parking be beneficial or hurt downtown? How do we determine if the rate set is too low or too high?

2) What areas have enough demand now which would make charging for on street parking appropriate?

3) Where should the fund generated from parking fees go? (Morgan says streetcars)

Here’s some good quotes from Professor Donald Shoup, the parking guru in the US:

“The purpose of right-priced curb parking is not to gouge drivers or to maximize revenue. Instead, the price is the lowest price that will avoid shortages.”

“Traffic engineers usually recommend that about 15 percent of curb space-one space every seven-should remain vacant to ensure easy ingress and egress.”

“Parking should be free when occupancy is less than 85 percent at zero price…”

Of course, many streets downtown have less than a 85 percent occupancy, so the “right price” for on street parking there is “zero.”