Parking Price Hike in Downtown Grand Rapids

Time to break open the piggy bank, the cost of parking in downtown Grand Rapids is going up starting Thursday, September 1, 2016.

Downtown Grand Rapids has a lot going for it. Tons of places to go, lots of things to do. People are coming from all over to visit or move here. Also, the parking rate has stayed flat since the year 2000.

Everything, it seems, about parking in downtown is going to cost more.

Long term parking

• Beginning Thursday, Sept. 1, the City of Grand Rapids will modify the price of parking in some facilities to better align supply and demand. The parking rate changes will apply to motorists who pay:
• Monthly rates at city-owned, off-street parking ramps as well as city-managed surface parking lots, including residential and reserved parking facilities.
• Short-term rates per half-hour will increase from $1 to $1.25 for every 30 minutes of parking in an off-street facility up to the daily maximum.
• Daily maximum rates will begin at 4 a.m. and go to 3:59 a.m. the following day.

Also event parking will cost more.

Just in and out and going to use the parking meter? That's going up, too.

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 1, the hourly meter rates for all on-street parking will increase depending on location. Those who previously paid 50 cents to park at a meter will now pay $1; those who previously paid 75 cents at a meter will now pay $1; and those who previously paid $1.25 at a meter will now pay $1.50.

There is some good news, though. The Dash Service is going to be upgraded to escort you pretty much all over downtown, and it will be free (on the weekdays. Weekdays that aren't holidays)

The no-fare service will run on weekdays, with exceptions on holidays. Employees, students and visitors will have access to the entire downtown for both work and discretionary trips as the shuttle connects several large parking facilities and retail locations, both current and proposed, to and from these destinations.

Learn more on the city's website.

I always joke around with my friends. You always hear about new apartments being built in downtown, but the real money is in parking spots. Renters come and go you'll have to patch walls, pay for refurbishments and upkeep. What's a parking lot, concrete, narrow painted lines, and a glorified ATM with a 6 foot 1x4?

You wait, when I win the lottery, I'll build the biggest and best parking lot you've ever paid $12 to park in.

Via GRCity.us

Check the Frequently Asked Questions for more info