Higher Parking Rates Start Today in White Flint
Parking meters are an urban staple and, with increases across the country effective January 1st, some downtowns are charging a premium for them. Similarly, starting today, it’s going to cost a bit more to visit the White Flint district by car. As part of the North Bethesda Transportation Management District, White Flint’s on-street meters are increasing to $1.00/hour from the previous rate of $.75. Parking convenience stickers, used at the lot on Montrose Road and Rockville Pike, have increased to $123 per month.
So – start thinking outside of the car when traveling around White Flint. Once the sector plan comes to full fruition, you’ll have a choice of public transportation options to reach the area and, then, be able to walk to the various amenities! Until then, pop a few extra quarters in your pocket. Even better, don’t forget that many White Flint-area meters take payment via ParkNOW‘s Pay-By-Cell option!
See more on the County’s website: http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/dpktmpl.asp?url=/content/DOT/Parking/North-Bethesda-TMD/north-bethesda-rates.asp
Learn about other ways around White Flint and North Bethesda at the North Bethesda Transportation Center website: www.nbtc.org
Mara
One problem I’ve always seen with meters in these kinds of small urban(ish) areas is that people like me can say to heck with it and go somewhere else that doesn’t charge for parking. The abominable parking situation is why, for example, even though I have to go within a mile of downtown Bethesda several times every weekday, I almost never shop in any store there. I HATE parking there so I will drive further in the opposite direction to avoid it!
It’s so easy for someone to say “Why should I shop at [Pike and Rose/Whole Foods/whatever] when I can go half a mile away and park at a different store or shopping center that doesn’t charge for parking?”
I’m probably a bad person for thinking this way, but I can guarantee I’m not alone…