In an attempt to make parking easier in Penn Quarter and Chinatown, D.C. will test demand-based pricing and technology that can detect empty spaces next year.
The D.C. Department of Transportation will launch a pilot program in 2015 that will install pay-by-space meters that accept credit cards at 1,300 spaces in the area. “DDOT will also be testing various parking space occupancy detection technologies in the area, including sensors, fixed cameras and movable cameras,” according to a release. “The real-time occupancy information will be used to make price adjustments based on demand, and provide parking availability information to customers.”
Via DDOT.
Drivers can expect to see pricing changes in summer 2015, according to DDOT: “Based on typical usage levels, meter prices will be adjusted quarterly to encourage shorter stays on high-demand blocks and incentivize use of lower-demand blocks.” Available parking spaces and their cost can be viewed through an app and on a website that will launch next year.
