First hour free coming to all city parking garages

GREENVILLE, SC- Those who come downtown to shop, dine, do business and enjoy the cultural and entertainment options will soon be able to park for free at any of the City’s parking garages. Beginning November 1, the first hour of parking in all City parking garages will be free, no matter the day or time. After the first free hour, customers will pay $1.50 to park for a second hour, and then $1 per hour thereafter, with a daily maximum of $7.50. The cost to park at the Washington Street parking deck and the West End park and ride lot, which is expected to open by the end of November, will be $1 per hour up to a maximum of $7.

• The City will continue to offer free weekend parking at the Richardson Street Garage, with new extended hours of 6 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, free night and weekend parking will still be available at the Washington Street parking deck from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.Monday through Friday, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

The City also has special holiday promotions planned for the coming months, including continuing its tradition of providing free parking in all of its parking facilities on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. In December, as part of Holiday Happening, the City will offer a special flat rate of only $2 to park at the Commons, Richardson Street, South Spring Street, Poinsett and River Street garages from 6 p.m. on Friday, December 11 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 13. Also, the City will again provide free parking in all of its parking facilities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

According to Mayor Knox White, the first hour free initiative is designed to encourage drivers to utilize the City’s parking garages instead of spending time looking for an on-street parking space, and to prove how easy and convenient parking in a garage can be, whether you need to run an errand over your lunch hour, or are out for a night on the town. “It’s important to us that parking not be a deterrent to anyone who wants to come enjoy our amazing downtown,” said White. “The City has worked hard over the past few years to make its parking garages safer, cleaner and more attractive, and soon, parking in them will be an even more positive experience.”

The first hour of parking will also be free at the ONE City Plaza Garage, the Broad Street Garage and the new Riverplace Garage when they open.