Lucrative Congestion-Priced Parking Applied in SF

The Port of San Francisco is under different jurisdiction than the rest of the city, but the Municipal Transportation Agency is conducting the pilot program called SF Park, funded by a Federal Urban Partnerships Grant.

"Six months into a pilot program for the 97 Port of San Francisco parking meters, revenue is up 38 percent compared with the same time last year, though the agency said there have been some confused motorists.

Prices range from 25 cents an hour to $4 an hour, depending on the time of day. Eventually, the price will also fluctuate based on demand."

From S.F. plans market rates for prized parking spaces:
"In addition to basing meter prices on demand, city officials also want to make paying for parking more convenient. They believe that if people have the chance to pay with a credit card, debit card, cell phone or other gadget, they'd be more likely to pay, even if there's a surcharge.

Meter prices could be adjusted up or down based on demand. And the goal would be to maintain an 85 percent occupancy rate at metered spaces to promote turnover."