Description
This measure involves updating parking facility design to prioritize ridesharing vehicles by placing carpool and vanpool parking spaces near front entrances and more convenient locations. CAPCOA encourages this strategy to prioritize shared or low-emission vehicle users while discouraging Single Occupancy Vehicle parking near congested areas
Implementation Details
- Adopt development code and design standards that require preferential parking.
- Work with employers to retrofit existing parking facilities to include preferential parking.
Mitigation Potential
Preferential treatment, free/reduced parking fees, priority parking, or parking located in convenient locations encourages ridesharing, which reduces VMT. The measure’s impact on VMT will vary on existing travel patterns and current parking inventory. While there are not quantification methods for measuring the impact of this strategy alone, this strategy is often provided as part of a package of strategies in Employer Sponsored TDM programs.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Preferential parking programs should be structured to avoid overburdening delivery drivers and service workers while reducing reliance on Single Occupancy Vehicle trips. Cities should avoid displacing loading and unloading zones or ADA parking spaces.
Funding Sources
Operations and enforcement will most likely be managed by employers or property managers. Combine with other active transportation or transit design elements/strategies to utilize those funding sources.
Examples/Case Studies
VTA Preferential Parking Program
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority promotes carpool and vanpool parking through its preferential permit program, incentivizing shared rides at key transit locations
LAX-it
LAX-it, a service provided by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), is designed to streamline the experience of picking up rideshare passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The facility offers a centralized area where passengers can easily catch rideshare services such as Uber, Lyft, and Opoli. LAX-it caters to the needs of all passengers, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that assistance is available for those who require it.