Chicago Parking Meters, LLC is reminding motorists that on-street metered parking rates will increase in 2010, based on the rate schedule detailed in the parking meter concession agreement.

The transition to the new rates will begin on January 4th, starting with the Loop and moving outward into the neighborhoods. Weather conditions permitting, the goal is to complete the transition by January 31st.

Rates will change as follows:

• Inside the Loop (Area bounded by Lake Michigan to the East, Wacker Drive to the North and West, and Congress Parkway to the South), rates will be $4.25 per hour.
• In the Central Business District outside the Loop (Area bounded by Lake Michigan to the East, North Avenue to the North, Halsted to the West, and Roosevelt Road to the South, exclusive of the Loop Area) rates will be $2.50 per hour.
• In all other areas of the city, rates will be $1.25 per hour

As the transition moves forward, motorists should be aware that they are only responsible for paying the posted rate on the meters. Accordingly, only the posted rates on each meter/pay box will be enforced.

If motorists have any questions or concerns, they can call 877-242-7901 or 312-744-PARK. To access any information about the parking meter system, they can always consult www.chicagometers.com.

Last week, CPM officials announced several steps taken to improve the parking meter system and add convenience for motorists. These steps have been implemented as a result of a “listening tour” CPM conducted with neighborhood and business organizations across the city.

“Mayor Daley urged us meet with each community so we could adjust the system to better meet their needs,” said CPM Chief Executive Officer Dennis Pedrelli. “We listened, we learned and we believe their suggestions have greatly improved the system.”

Some of the new system enhancements that are now in place include:

Portable time: Receipts purchased at pay boxes are good until expiration at any meter with the same or lower hourly rate, and they now are clearly printed with the rate so motorists can easily determine where they can use their receipt. Given that the vast majority of meters are in the neighborhoods at the same rate, that means people can take payment with them as they visit many different business districts.

Extended periods of stay: CPM has changed pay boxes to provide extended time near theaters, concert halls, schools, hospitals, and other places where parkers require more than a two-hour stay.

Automatic parking ticket dismissal: Information on meter malfunctions is captured in a database and shared with the City of Chicago which has automatically dismissed 92 tickets for inoperable meters since late summer.

Discounted monthly parking in lots: In cooperation with the City, CPM is piloting a program at 11 commuter lots, offering motorists the option of monthly passes at considerable savings.

Pre-payment: Pay boxes are programmed to offer pre-payment whenever possible. Motorists parking at 24-hour meters can generally pre-pay until 10:00am unless rush hour restrictions are in place. At most other meters, motorists can pre-pay as early as 5:00am until 10:00am or later.

Donated bicycle meters: CPM donated thousands of single space meter poles and housings to the City of Chicago, retrofitting them so that bicycle parking is protected.

24 x 7 Customer Service: Motorists can call 877.242.7901 to report a broken meter and repairs are made in less than one business day, usually in just a few hours.