"Over the Top": Downtown Chicago Considers Congestion Fee

While some may grudgingly eat the extra fee to park downtown on weekdays, others may look toward more reliance on the El--the desired response. But is a flat congestion fee on top of already existing parking rates the best way to go?

1 minute read

October 22, 2011, 5:00 AM PDT

By Judy Chang

Reports David Schaper:

"[Urban planning professor Donald] Shoup says a $2 increase may not be enough to get many commuters to leave their cars at home, especially if their employers cover all or part of the parking cost. Also, he says, raising prices in parking lots and garages might only increase the number of drivers circling around in search of street parking, adding to congestion.

"I think the most important thing to do for any city is to get the price of curb parking right," Shoup says.

That's the approach some other cities are taking. San Francisco, for example, is experimenting with parking meters that change prices block to block and at different times of day, based on supply and demand."

FULL STORY: Chicago's 'Congestion Fee' Gets Chilly Reception

Friday, October 21, 2011 in NPR

Government / Politics Transportation Illinois Parking Congestion Pricing Chicago Downtown Central Business District Congestion Fee View More

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