(Washington, DC) Director of Transportation Dan Tangherlini, joined by community leaders, today launched the first multi-space parking meters in the District along M Street, NW, in Georgetown.
The new solar-powered meters, installed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), manage multiple parking spaces within a single block. Parking patrons purchase time with either a credit or debit card or US coins at the meter and are issued a receipt that they place on the passenger side of the dashboard. The meters allow more vehicles to park at the curb and reduce sidewalk clutter, thereby providing more space for pedestrians. The meters are also more vandal-resistant than the present models.
There are 24 meters on M Street between 28th and 35th Streets in this first phase. All meters are programmed to reinforce rush hour restrictions by not operating during these periods.
DDOT is distributing a brochure to help the public understand the meters and how to use them. It is available from local businesses, the Georgetown Visitor Center and the Georgetown BID office at 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street.
Originally included as part of The Georgetown Project, the meters were favorably received when DDOT conducted a pilot program in November 2003. Multi-space meters are used in Portland, Seattle and New York and other cities and will be installed in other busy neighborhoods across the city.
The meters are made by SchlumbergerSema and include a web-based wireless parking information system to improve management and reduce maintenance response-time.