Study Details SFpark's Surprising Results

"SFpark, which uses 'smart meters' and ground sensors to measure parking occupancy and adjust prices accordingly, is providing valuable lessons for San Francisco and cities around the world that want to reduce the amount of time drivers spend cruising the streets for a parking space," reports Aaron Bialick.

"The growing body of data collected from the program is shedding more light on the complexities of parking demand," he adds. "But overall, [parking guru Donald] Shoup says, it’s providing hard evidence that raising and lowering meter prices is an effective way to keep enough parking spots available for drivers who need them — and to help ensure too many spots don’t sit empty."

"Shoup calls SFpark a 'political success' — insofar as it’s converted existing parking meters (adding new meters is another question) — and he says the program shows how dynamic parking pricing can be an alternative to congestion pricing that requires less infrastructure and fewer political battles."