Fee For Park-And-Ride Lots Mulled By City Officials

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Park and Rides might cost you starting this summer.

Our news partners at the Post-Gazette report that charging at some Park and Ride lots is being considered as the Port Authority prepares for its 2015-16 budget, starting in July.

Officials have not said what amount it would charge, but Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald tells the Post-Gazette it could be something like $1 a day.

Riders already pay $2 to park in the South Hills Village parking garage, but everywhere else drivers have always parked for free. So even $1 a day gets these drivers' attention.

"Five dollars a week, that's $20 a month times 12," said Willie Bentworth of Zelienople. "I mean, if they need the revenue. I wouldn't park here anymore probably if they charged to park."

That's part of what the Port Authority will consider. But the authority can only charge at lots it owns.

So in places like the Rave lot, which the Port Authority has a deal to buy for $1.6 million, the Port Authority board has to determine whether everything needed to make it a pay lot could be covered in a fee that drivers would pay.

For some drivers, a $1 would fly.

"Well, if it's that amount, it wouldn't be so bad," said Janice Perl of Wexford. "It's very convenient for me and it's cheaper than parking downtown."

Part of the reasoning behind charging for some Park and Ride lots, is to balance out the potential purchase of new lots.

Board members will vote on the proposal at the April 24 meeting.

Stay with KDKA for John Shumway's report.

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