Big changes are coming to San Luis Obispo’s parking garages that could impact how long drivers can park and how much they pay.
The city is in the final stages of upgrading the parking garages by adding new technology that will allow people to pay on foot and skip the booth lines.
Staff says people will be able to pay with credit cards and eventually access information about where parking is available, so they don’t have to circle around town looking for spots.
The upgraded structures will also have new gates and entry and exit columns.
“Our existing parking system was over 15 years old and so it not only had really old technology and abilities to accept payments but the infrastructure to do things people are asking for today,” said Tim Bochum, San Luis Obispo Public Works Deputy Director.
The technology also allows the city to keep the gates open at night, which could allow them to charge drivers for overnight parking. Staff says they’re choosing to forego that option for now.
The changes are expected to be finished in the next two weeks.
