City Implementing Parking Changes In The Innovation District

In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, the Boston Transportation Department will be implementing parking policy changes in the Innovation District effective November 17, 2014.  The upcoming modifications are based on data collected by the smart parking system implemented by Streetline, Inc. and previously put into effect in the Innovation District.  Information collected from sensors embedded in the pavement on Seaport Boulevard, Congress Street, Summer Street and Boston Wharf Road indicates that adjusting the maximum parking time limits currently in effect at parking meters on Summer Street and Congress Street will better manage parking and traffic demand in this thriving Boston neighborhood.

“This is just one example where we are using technology as a tool to help the city manage a public resource more efficiently,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh.  “One of the benefits of the smart parking system in the Innovation District is, not only can the city make planning decisions with the data, but we can provide real-time on-street parking availability information to drivers through an app.”

The new parking meter policy provides for a four hour maximum time limit for meters located on the #350 through #425 blocks of Summer Street.  Meters on the #250 block of Summer Street and the #300 block of Congress Street will change to a two hour maximum time limit.  The cost of parking at all of these meters will continue to be $1.25 per hour.

The purpose of the changes is to ensure that parking is more closely aligned with true utilization, to spur higher turnover at on-street parking spaces, and to help to promote parking availability for patrons of area businesses.  Boston drivers can view real-time, on-street parking availability in the area by downloading the Parker™ app, available for Apple and Android, to their smartphone.  Parker’s voice guidance feature gives drivers a hands-free option for safe operation while driving. 

Boston Transportation Department Interim Commissioner James E. Gillooly said, “The Innovation District parking modifications will have the added benefit of reducing the number of drivers circling the block looking for parking spaces, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and lessening motor vehicle impacts on air quality.”

“We are thrilled to see customers like the City of Boston using the data to enact real change with the goal of improving mobility and ease of parking, said Zia Yusuf, President and CEO of Streetline, Inc.  “By collecting real-time data and providing actionable analytics, our hope is that we can help our customer take the first steps towards being a truly smart city.

Members of the Innovation District business community are being informed that they can harness the data by installing ParkerMap™ on company websites.  An embeddable map widget, ParkerMap displays the information that is seen in Parker, allowing visitors to the sites to easily assess nearby parking options.   Local businesses are also being asked to educate their staff and visitors about the parking meter policy change as well as the parking technology available to Innovation District drivers.