Survey: Parking getting easier in Center City

Parking is getting easier in Center City, apparently because of higher parking meter rates enacted in January, according to the most recent "meter occupancy rate" survey by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

A year ago, 97 percent of Center City meters were occupied during business hours. Now, 77 percent are, said PPA spokeswoman Linda Miller.

Meter rates in Center City were doubled to $2 an hour in January, and meter-violation fines were increased, as part of an effort by the Nutter administration to steer long-term parkers to garages or public transit and free up meters for short-term parkers.

More available meters should also reduce traffic congestion and double-parking, says deputy mayor for transportation Rina Cutler. The administration wants to increase Center City meter rates to $3 an hour by July. - Paul Nussbaum