CARTA Approves Downtown Parking Rate Increase

A parking meter along Rossville Avenue on the Chattanooga Southside.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- If you plan to go downtown starting in a couple of weeks, you may want to start bringing some extra change.

CARTA’s Board of Directors voted on their first downtown street parking rate increase since 2015.

Downtown street meters will now charge $1.50 per hour.

This is an increase from just $1 per hour.

CARTA says this was the least impactful raise out of three different scenarios they could have chosen as the City Council has authorized them to raise rates up to two dollars an hour if they chose.

Corey Everett, the head of CARTA’s revenue finance committee and board member said, “We’re just basically coming into what the market rate is right now and escalating up to that two dollar limit seemed to be a bit of a pill to swallow.”

CARTA says the rate increase, which is the first one since 2015, is necessary to continue funding parking upkeep and shuttle service.

They say it will increase revenue by $940,000.

They also argue despite the increase, Chattanooga’s rates are still among the lowest among regional competitors.

Brent Matthews, CARTA’S director of parking and special projects said, “Nashville is $2.25 an hour, Knoxville is already $1.50 an hour, and we’re still at a dollar right now going to $1.50.”

For Danny Smith and others who frequent the Chattanooga Southside, the decision made by the CARTA Board of Directors was not one welcomed.

Smith said, “People are coming down here to spend money in our businesses and the parking situation in Chattanooga isn’t great as it is so I think it is a little sad they’re going to do that.”

CARTA said that in a 2018 parking study conducted by the agency, downtown does have enough parking.

Some don’t feel the same way, and want to see some changes.

Smith said, “I think a pass would be great. I think maybe a more designated structure or area would be really good too. Then there’s certain streets you can’t park on unless you live there and you have a pass. I think people would just like to know where they can park, where’s it safe, and where it is not going to cost them an arm and a leg.”

It is important to note that the parking rate increase only affects Chattanooga Parking Authority meters, which are typically green.

Private lots such as Bright Base and Bird Dog are not affected by the parking rate increase and are separate from the Parking Authority.

CARTA also announced they are adding several hundred parking spots along West Main Street near Finley Stadium.

Parking will still be free after 6 p-m and on Sundays.