You've already fought the nation's worst traffic in an effort to pump up the local economy.  And how are you thanked?  With the highly restrictive and costly parking of our nation's capital that is being enforced until 10 PM weekly and all day Saturday.  Yes, the powers that be, starting with our last mayor and continuing with the present one (despite his campaign teaser pledge) are looking to extract every last cent from the public.  For a quarter you get to park for 7 minutes.  That's 4 bucks for 2 hours and you'd better move your car.  Good luck if you're seeing a show or going to a museum or sporting event.

All this enforcement comes at a cost.  Legions of meter maids and men and their vehicles roam the streets (along with their supervisors) waiting to pounce on the unwitting patrons who venture out.  (Restaurants have cut some sweet deal with the authorities that exempt them for valet parking).  I can only describe the unsettling experience of parking on the street as one of being stalked.  You just know when that flag falls, you're getting a ticket. This sends a great message to area residents and out-of-town visitors.  Yeah, there's building or lot parking at 15-20 dollars (or higher)  a crack.  And there's the good old Metro with probably the highest fares in the land and predictable delays (as far as safety, I don't want to go there).  And I do avail myself of these alternatives on occasion.  But I don't go into the district as often as I've done in the past and you probably don't either.

How might the city save money and return to the sensible parking policies of the past - free after 6:30 PM and all day on the weekend?  For one, remove the Circulators.  You know those big buses that hog the roads, guzzle gas, and carry, at the most, 2-3 passengers at a time.  Just about nobody rides them.  And put meters on the Mall.  Almost all of those spots are grabbed by local workers - seldom visitors - and even those lucky ones who are going to the museums can pick up the tab for the free entry.  Work with the parking lots to validate the tickets of anyone visiting a theater, going to a museum charging an entrance fee, and making a purchase at a business.  The increase in sales (and the good will) generated will more than offset the heavy administrative costs incurred in enforcement.  If you want a vibrant downtown, the parking situation has got to improve.  How about it Mr. Mayor and members of City Council?   Let's roll back those parking fees!!    

 John F. Glass - February 9, 2011