City Council approves new parking plan with hourly rates for evening access

The City of Madison's Transportation Commission has approved a new parking strategy aimed at improving access to parking during evenings and weekends. During the meeting on May 14, 2025, the Commission discussed the implementation of parking meters in the Wilson lot, which has historically not had an hourly rate established. This decision comes in response to community requests for more parking availability during off-peak hours.

The new plan will introduce parking meters for a select number of spaces in the lot after 6 PM and on weekends. The Commission is testing new payment kiosks and mobile payment options to enhance user convenience. Currently, the lot has 50 spaces, with 35 available for 24/7 use and the remainder designated for daytime permit holders. The meters will primarily target the spaces that are not rented out during the day, allowing for better utilization of the lot.

The hourly rate for parking has been set at $1, which is lower than the $2 per hour charged for on-street parking. This pricing strategy aims to encourage usage while remaining competitive with other parking options in the area. The Commission plans to monitor the utilization of these spaces and may adjust rates based on demand.

In addition to the parking discussion, the Commission also explored the idea of organizing transportation-related tours or field trips to provide members with insights into the behind-the-scenes operations of the transportation system. This initiative aims to engage new members and gather suggestions for potential locations and timing for these tours.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the new parking resolution, marking a significant step toward enhancing parking accessibility in Madison. The Commission's proactive approach reflects its commitment to addressing community needs and improving transportation infrastructure.