HomeMy WebLinkAboutTIC 2017-10-10 Item 2D - Discussion - Metro Customer Parking Options at Interurban Avenue South / 52nd Avenue SouthCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: October 6, 2017
SUBJECT: Metro Customer Parking Options at Interurban Ave South and 52nd Avenue
South
ISSUE
Update on new Metro customer permit programs at the two parking lots located at Interurban
Avenue South and 52nd Avenue South.
DISCUSSION
King County Metro operates multiple park & ride lots for customers transferring to a bus,
vanpool, or carpool. Parking availability at these lots is extremely limited throughout the County.
To address this growing problem, in 2017 Metro has stepped up its enforcement of these lots as
well as launched two new permit programs. In Tukwila, routes 150, 154, and 193 travel on
Interurban Avenue South, and two separate parking lots on Interurban Avenue South and 52'
Avenue South are part of the new permitting programs aimed at Metro customers.
Tukwila Park & Ride, 13445 Interurban Avenue South
This 267 -space lot is managed by King County Metro. Metro launched a pilot carpool parking
permit program at six lots in February 2017, and is now expanding the program to add nine
additional lots this fall due to funding from a PSRC Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
(CMAQ) grant awarded in 2016. Because the Tukwila P&R is typically at 90% capacity or
above by 9 a.m. on weekdays, it is now included in the expanded program. Applications for the
carpool permit program at the Tukwila P&R are open as of October 2, and permits are free if
applicants meet the conditions as follows:
Groups of two or more commuters who regularly drive together to participating
park & rides to catch transit, meet a vanpool, or another carpool are eligible to
apply for carpool parking permits. Permits are free and allow permit holders to
park in designated permit parking areas on weekdays during the morning rush
hour.
Applicants must provide basic contact information and ORCA card numbers,
Vanpool ID, or RideshareOnline,com email account for each member of a
carpool. Regular transit ridership is not required for initial issue of a permit, but
once a permit is issued ORCA numbers, Vanpool, or RideshareOnline.com will
be checked to verify regular transit ridership. At least two carpool members must
average three days of ridership per week (12 days per month) to qualify for
monthly permit renewals.
"Park by Transit" Diamond Lot, 13451 Interurban Avenue South
Earlier this year, King County Metro partnered with Diamond Parking to launch a new monthly
paid parking program to help alleviate congestion at park and rides using existing spaces on
private property. The privately -owned lot across from the Tukwila P&R has been added to this 35
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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program at a monthly rate of $85.50, including taxes and processing fees. This amounts to
around $4 per work day in a typical month, and users who sign up for a monthly permit get the
first month free. Rates at these lots are variable, ranging from $30 - $155 depending on the
location, and as these are privately owned and operated lots, Diamond Parking set the prices
based upon the local market.
This public-private partnership is partially funded by a grant from the Federal Highway
Administration, and Metro is not collecting parking revenues. Diamond Parking manages the
lots and customer transactions. King County's role was to develop the business model, partner
with Diamond, apply grant funds to the first month free, and will now step back to a promotional
role.
DISCUSSION
The Committee is asked to discuss the information and let staff know of any questions for
follow-up.
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