Community Corner

Parking Rates set for New Transit Center Downtown

PARTA to start charging in July for deck parking

Drivers now know what they'll be expected to pay once PARTA starts charging for its 365 spaces in the new Kent Central Gateway transit center downtown.

PARTA released the rates, which are as follows:

  • First 30 minutes: Free
  • 30 minutes to 1 hour: $1
  • 1 hour to 1.5 hours: $2
  • 1.5 hours to 2 hours: $3
  • 2 hours to 3 hours: $4
  • 3 hours to 24 hours: $5

Drivers will have free access to the deck's five parking levels through May and June, as PARTA is awaiting delivery and then installation of the pay collection machines that will manage the deck.

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Bryan Smith, director of planning for PARTA, said they will have the ticket booths in place to start charging for parking on July 8.

Rates will be posted for special events, and drivers who lose their ticket will have to pay the maximum rate.

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PARTA will offer office and monthly passes, and drivers should call the transit agency for rates and availability.

A new stoplight near the transit center at Haymaker Parkway and Erie Street is expected to start running in June.

Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer, whose Ward 5 includes downtown, said she's heard from business owners that sales and foot traffic have improved since the deck opened last month.

"I cannot believe how excited I am about the parking deck," she said.


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