NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - The Department of Transportation reportedly plans to raise parking meter rates and introduce more zones in New York City by the end of 2018.
The announcement was made during a transportation budget hearing Wednesday, reported the NY Post.
“The current system of three rate zones will evolve into a new system of more zones to more closer match land use and parking demand in both Manhattan the outer boroughs,” said Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “The meters in heavily congested, transit-rich Downtown Brooklyn are priced the same as those in less dense East New York. We think modest rate increases will promote turnover in commercial areas and have a positive effect on congestion as well.”
In Manhattan, meters below 96th Street charge $3.50 an hour. Meters between 96th and 110th Streets charge $1.50. Anywhere above 110th Street and outside Manhattan, meters charge $1.00 per hour.
The last time parking meter rates increased was in 2013.
According to the Post, a part of the plan also includes a discounted second hour for drivers who park below 96th Street in Manhattan.