DOT 155-08
Monday October 20, 2008
Contact: Brian Turmail
Tel.: (202) 366-4570

San Francisco Will Receive $87 Million for Easier Parking, Bay Area Ferry Service, and Rehabilitation of Doyle Drive

            WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters today announced a final decision to provide San Francisco with $87 million to launch an innovative parking plan that will bring next-generation technology and rush hour pricing to last-century parking meters, support ferry service and rehabilitate the city’s Doyle Drive.

               “This plan will make parking more convenient, reduce emissions, and ease traffic jams. This city is showing the nation how a little technology and a lot of innovation can make a big dent in traffic, smog and commuter frustration,” Secretary Peters said.

                The Secretary said $27 million of the federal funding will support the city’s SFpark initiative, aimed at easing parking congestion on city streets through variable pricing. The new, high-tech meters will charge drivers different prices to park – more during peak times, less during off peak – to keep traffic flowing and guarantee parking will be available. She said $13 million will also be made available to support ferry service in the Bay Area.

                Secretary Peters also announced that San Francisco will receive $47 million in federal public lands funding to rehabilitate Doyle Drive, the heavily-traveled road that connects the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown. The Secretary noted that San Francisco’s original proposal to the Department included a plan to deploy congestion pricing on Doyle Drive, but the city later withdrew that portion of its proposal.

                The new parking meter technology will ultimately allow drivers to find a parking spot by checking variable message signs, phoning a 511 service, or via the internet, Secretary Peters said. Instead of relying on quarters, drivers will be able to pay with their credit, debit or Smart Trip cards, and will eventually be able to text in a payment using their cell phones, she said.

                The Secretary applauded Bay Area leaders for their willingness to try new ways to help commuters and the environment. She noted a 2006 citywide survey found that over half of all drivers take more than five minutes to find parking, resulting in a gallon of wasted gas for every 10 cars looking for parking at a given time.

                The funding for San Francisco’s parking initiative and ferry service is provided through the Department’s Urban Partnership Program, aimed at finding new, innovative ways to fight congestion on America’s roads.