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Grand Rapids may increase parking costs, other transit options

grcity.us

Those living, working or visiting downtown Grand Rapids may pay more for parking this year.

The proposal includes across-the-board increases to pricing for short and long-term parking city-owned lots, metered spaces and special event pricing.

In some places, it’s up to double current rates - in the case of a lost ticket fee for the Cherry Commerce Ramp, the cost more than triples from $7 to $24.

Officials call it "demand based pricing", and it comes with an increase of support to other forms of transportation.

The city plans to expand operation hours and pickups for its DASH service line, and offer a pilot program providing free Silverline service north of Wealthy to and from downtown.

The larger emphasis of allowing walkable and bikeable options includes the realignment of its parking department to a mobility department last year.

With that came encouragement and support of alternate transportation modes such as biking, bus-riding, walking and ride-sharing.

The city’s Parking Commission reviews pricing proposals at a Thursday meeting.

City Commissioners are expected to vote on the matter next month.

If approved, new pricing would take effect on September 1.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
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