Some Redwood City Parking Rates Increasing August 4

City leaders hope the change will encourage drivers parking long-term to park elsewhere, thus increasing short-term parking turnover.

By Renee Schiavone July 30, 2014 at 5:01 pm 0

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The following is a news release from the city of Redwood City:

Starting on Monday, August 4th, the parking rate in the Downtown core area (see map) will increase to $1 per hour. Meter rates outside of the core area remain at 25¢ per hour. All meter rates will be in effect Mondays through Saturdays from 10am to 6pm. The Downtown core is generally comprised of the area bordered by Main Street, Marshall Street, and the Caltrain tracks, plus the area around the 2600 block of Broadway toward El Camino Real.

As approved by the City Council at its June 23rd, 2014 meeting, the new rate will have the effect of encouraging longer-term parking in the less-expensive spaces just outside the Downtown core. The goal is to improve parking “turnover” in the high-demand core area, making it easier for shorter-term visitors to find parking when they come to shop, dine, or enjoy a show Downtown. More information about Downtown parking, including an updated FAQ, is online at www.redwoodcity.org/parking.

Here are options for low-cost and free parking in and around Downtown:

The County Garage (on Middlefield near Veteran’s Boulevard), and the Caltrain parking lot on Perry Street are FREE to the public after 6 pm and throughout the weekendsThe first 1.5 hours are always free in both the Jefferson and Marshall parking garagesJefferson Garage is 25¢/hour weekdays until 6pm ($2.50/hour after 6pm), with 4 hours free with Century Theatre validationStreet parking rates outside of the core area of Downtown remain at 25¢ per hour
“We’ve all witnessed the wonderful renaissance and increasing level of activity in Downtown Redwood City over the last few years,” said Redwood City Mayor Jeffrey Gee. “That ongoing success is bringing parking challenges, and we appreciate everyone’s patience. The new rates and other strategies we’re implementing will be helpful as Downtown continues its resurgence.“

Over the next year, the City will be identifying new parking meter technology, designing new parking facilities, and implementing electronic signage at the parking garages indicating the number of spaces available at any given time. The City is also looking at “grab & go” 20-minute parking spaces, and examining if time limits in some areas of Downtown will help facilitate parking turnover and circulation in the “core.”

In the meantime, the City offers several services to make parking Downtown easier. Parking customers are encouraged to use the Parker mobile app for real-time help in finding available parking, and to take advantage of PayByPhone and other features of the Downtown pay-by-space meters. Information about these and other tools is online at www.redwoodcity.org/parking.

For those who wish to reduce their single-occupant vehicle use, Connect, Redwood City!can help with alternatives to driving to Redwood City. Connect, Redwood City! encompasses programs like Zipcar, Bay Area Bike Share, Caltrain, and SamTrans, making it easier to get to and around town even when taking transit, carpooling, walking, or riding a bike to work. More information about these options is online at www.connectredwoodcity.com.

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s newsletters and other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/newsletters.