Center City Parking Program: Innovative Parking Solutions

SDOT recognizes the critical role parking plays in our economy and is actively working with stakeholders on better ways to provide short-term visitor and customer parking in downtown Seattle. We are preparing for the challenge of Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall replacement and for future growth through programs and projects that aim to make the most efficient use of existing on-street and on-street parking in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Center City Parking Program is SDOT’s effort to address changes to on-street parking in the Center City over the next several years with new marketing, way-finding and technology measures.

These measures are described in the Center City Parking Program Work plan, which is variety of strategies that aim to provide easy-to-access off-street short-term parking with transparent pricing that keeps the Center City moving and contributes to a sustainable transportation system.

Background

In 2007, SDOT began working with the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement project, a group of national and international experts, and a local Parking Advisory Committee to use data from the Center City Parking Program Technical Report to develop a Center City Parking Program. The program’s workplan was published in 2008. Several strategies are being implemented and others will be undertaken soon.

Comments or questions on the Center City Parking Program?

Contact Meghan Shepard, Program Manager, 206-684-4208 or email Meghan.Shepard@Seattle.gov

Center City Parking Program Projects:

e-Park, Seattle’s electronic parking guidance system

e-Park is SDOT’s innovative digital wayfinding program to improve and promote short-term parking in Seattle’s Center City. Seattle’s electronic parking guidance system uses dynamic message signs to provide shoppers, visitors and tourists with real-time space availability and direction from main access roads to available parking spaces. The program aims to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle-generated pollution as motorists spend less time circling, looking for a vacant parking space.

Questions on e-Park?

Contact Michael Solheim, Project Manager, 206-733-9956 or email michael.solheim@seattle.gov

Seattle Parking Map

SDOT has released an online map tool to provide citywide on-street and off-street parking information. The Seattle Parking Map will help visitors and residents learn more about different parking garage options and street parking regulations. Whether you’re looking for parking for a night out in Belltown, a stroll through Seward Park, or a residential parking permit on Capitol Hill, the map will help arm you with parking information that may better inform your transportation decisions.

Questions about the Seattle Parking Map?

Contact Mary Catherine Snyder, Project Manager, 206-684-8110 or email marycatherine.snyder@seattle.gov