Parking

Give input on two proposed pilot programs for parking

Take survey by January 14, attend online meeting

Published:

December 15, 2021

Last Updated:

January 12, 2022

Berkeley, California (Wednesday, December 15, 2021) - Fill out our survey and attend one of our community meetings as we explore how visitors and workers in two neighborhoods can share the price and privilege of public parking.

On the southside of campus and in the Elmwood District, many of those without $66 annual residential permits shuffle and circle their cars every two hours hoping to avoid tickets. The process adds pollution, traffic congestion, and wasted time.

It's unclear what would make it easier for people to use nearby options of BART, AC Transit, car share, bike share -- or a combination of those.

We would like to consider some ideas about how to change that:

In the Elmwood District, we're exploring the idea of a potential merchant employee parking pass program and a merchant-supported commuter benefit plan for employees.
On the southside of campus, we may also explore the use of demand-based pricing for visitors, a concept that has proven successful in commercial areas.

These ideas would be refined based on community input and brought to City Council for consideration as pilot programs. They would then be assessed after a period of time to see whether they should be extended.

If you live, work ,or visit these areas, we're hoping you'll attend one of our community meetings and use our survey.

SmartSpace Feedback Survey
(closes Jan. 14, 2022 at 5pm)

We want feedback on these proposals, more data on the breadth of the challenges and input to improve mobility to and thru these areas.

In Elmwood, options being explored

The Elmwood District has meters priced based on demand -- with street parking rates on College and Ashby higher than in a City parking lot -- to successfully free up spaces.

Ashby and Rockridge BART stations are a 20-minute walk. One-way bike and car share is available. Merchants have one residential permit per business license and are concerned it's too hard for employees to park.

An idea of allowing visitors to pay daily in residential parking permit areas is no longer being considered.

Join the conversation by taking our survey and coming out to a community meeting.

Elmwood Online Meeting
Wednesday, December 15
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Register for Elmwood Meeting

See maps, parking options and more background on the goBerkeley SmartSpace Project Website.

In Southside, paid visitor parking may be considered for residential areas, among other options

The southside of campus also has a mix of meter parking in key corridors, a large City parking garage and also several residential parking permit areas. BART, AC Transit are close as is the availability of one-way bike or car share.

A concept being considered here involves using demand-based pricing to help residents and visitors alike find a spot at the busiest times. This proposal, which would be refined with community input, includes:

Visitors, including local employees paying for parking 8 AM - 7 PM, Mon-Sat
Parking availability and turnover managed by a flat pricing rate, similar to most on-street metered parking
Visitors being able to stay up to eight (8) hours if paid
Payment via mobile app or new license plate entry payment kiosks (aka "pay stations") at strategic locations in area, along routes to commercial areas
If parking remains hard to find, hourly rates being adjusted midway through the pilot so more locations have 1-2 open spaces (65-85% full) at the busiest times.

What would not change under this concept proposal:

Those with a valid permit to park in an RPP area would be exempt from new paid parking and time limits in the pilot area.
Current residential parking restrictions outside of the pilot area would remain the same: no payment required for up to 2 hours.

Join the conversation by taking our survey and coming out to a community meeting.

Southside/Telegraph Online Meeting
Thursday, December 16
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Register for Southside/Telegraph

See maps, parking options and more background on the goBerkeley SmartSpace Project Website.

Even if you can't attend the meeting, we hope you'll spread the word about these meetings and encourage people to fill out the survey by 5pm on January 14, 2022.