What is Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting?

Beginning in the Summer of 2017, the Parking Authority of Baltimore City started using the demand for parking spaces to determine the hourly parking meter rate on blocks in Central Downtown. Using data collected every six months, the Parking Authority will adjust rates to help create one or two available parking spaces on each block, making it easier for parkers to find parking downtown and spend more time enjoying Baltimore.

What's the goal?

To reach our goal of one or two available parking spaces per block (15-25% availability; or 75-85% occupancy), we must use the right rate - the lowest rate that will regularly produce one or two available parking spaces on each block face.

How does it work?

Data is collected and analyzed every six months to determine the average occupancy rate on each block. Meter rates are adjusted incrementally and slowly. Rates are adjusted up or down in $0.25 increments no more than once every six months.

• If occupancy is higher than 85% in a particular block, the rate will generally go up.
• If occupancy is lower than 75% in a particular block, the rate will generally go down.
• If occupancy is between 75% and 85%, the rate will generally not change

Areas where Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting Exists 

• Central Downtown 

• Harbor East

• Mt Vernon 

• Federal Hill

• Fells Point

Downloads

• Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting graphic 
• Pie graph graphic 
• Demand-Based Parking Meter Rate Setting one-page fact sheet.
• PowerPoint presentation 

Other cities with demand-based pricing:

• Washington, DC
• San Francisco, CA
• Boston, MA (pilot program)
• New Haven, CT (pilot program)
• Seattle, WA
• List of cities with "Goldilocks" parking fees: Reinventing Parking blog