Description
Develop pedestrian scaled zones or campuses with parking facilities on the periphery where drivers can park once and rely on active or shared modes to complete trips within the area. This creates a walkable environment that is attractive to businesses and pedestrians.
Implementation Details
- Establish public-private partnerships to develop shared-use parking lots near walkable districts and mobility hubs.
- Install secure bike parking, shaded walking connections, and real-time wayfinding to bikeshare, transit stops, and key destinations.
- Integrate Park Once lots with CV Link, SunLine stops, and other first/last mile services.
- Launch “park once + ride” pilot programs in high-foot-traffic downtowns.
- Bundle Park Once with active transportation improvements and infill development guidelines.
- Use apps and signage to direct visitors from parking lots to destinations via walk/bike/transit options.
Mitigation Potential
This reduces VMT by encouraging people to walk rather than drive to each destination within denser infill environments. While not easy to quantify as its own strategy, demonstration projects with before and after counts are often used to temporarily test strategies such as these prior to full scale implementation.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Ensure areas are accessible via ADA-compliant paths and transit. Locate shared lots near civic destinations and services used by households with limited vehicle access. Prioritize sidewalk repair, lighting, and crossing improvements in surrounding areas. Provide real-time information and wayfinding in multiple languages.
Funding Sources
This is a low cost strategy but does require staff time and planning ahead. Planning for alternative parking strategies can be funded through RCTC’s Measure A program, Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants, and CMAQ. Proximity to transit and active transportation networks may impact eligibility to a broader range of funding programs.
Examples/Case Studies
California Air Resources Board (CARB) Impacts of Parking Pricing and Parking Management on Passenger Vehicle Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
CARB has studied the impacts of parking pricing and management on passenger vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. According to a policy brief, increasing existing parking prices or introducing fees for previously free parking can reduce VMT and encourage mode switching, which may subsequently lower greenhouse gas emissions.
City of Pasadena Citywide Parking Strategic Plan
The Pasadena Citywide Parking Strategic Plan, developed by Dixon Resources Unlimited, outlines steps to create an efficient and user-friendly parking and mobility program in Pasadena. The plan focuses on streamlining program management, ensuring financial sustainability, and integrating modern technologies, including the promotion of “Park Once” implementation.