Tulsa metered parking system needs review
BY World's Editorials Writers
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
4/17/12 at 2:59 AM
When nearly half of the city's parking meters are out of order, you know it's time for some changes.
The city will seek requests for proposals next month from companies interested in supplying new equipment and operating and maintaining the city's parking meter system.
City leaders say that 44 percent of the city's 1,609 meters are out of order, and $600,000 would be needed to get the system running again.
Patching up the broken meters isn't a good idea, because there are newer models that allow motorists to pay using cards or phones and they also can provide visitors with needed information.
Mayoral Chief of Staff Jarred Brejcha said fixing the meter system would help enhance economic development and improve customer service.
He's right. Even though the downtown area has plenty of parking, many area residents are of the belief that parking is a difficult proposition downtown.
Currently, parking is free after 5 p.m. Officials say that Tulsa's parking rates - which range from 10 cents to 50 cents an hour - haven't been changed since 1992 and lag behind those of peer cities.
City officials will meet with downtown stakeholders for input before requests for proposals are sent out next month.
Considerable thought ought to go into the design of the new parking system. While they're not a huge issue, parking problems can be a deterrent to getting out and about.
Original Print Headline: Parking study
