PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Parking Authority is doubling its yearly fees for parking in residential neighborhoods.
The price for a residential parking permit for one vehicle, valid for one year, will go from $35 to $75 starting Sept. 1, and each household can have only three. Motorcycle and scooter permits will now be $50 annually, not included in the three per household.
It’s the first time the PPA has raised the price since 1983. They say it’s a matter of relieving congestion in the city.
“I don’t see it as a good thing,” said Olivia from Old City. She says she has enough rising costs to deal with, from groceries to gasoline, and this latest hike creates more stress without any real solutions in exchange.
“You know, it’s a city. There are a lot of people that have to park here. It’s already competitive enough to find a spot after work,” she said.
Greg from Rittenhouse said it’s a parking war every evening after work to park where he lives, and the threat of more tickets for parking on his block is infuriating.
“It’s adding to the problem and an excuse to give people more tickets and make more money.”
Julie, who rides her bike and takes the regional rail to work, said she’d be okay with the increase if it meant fewer cars and less pollution. She made a suggestion she thinks could appease everyone and make the roads safer: The price hike should fund public transportation.
“More SEPTA service — buses, trains and trolleys,” she said. “That would be more appealing, and people would use that rather than a car.”
KYW Newsradio has reached out to the city and the PPA for comment.