Effective March 1, 2021, rates at parking meters in the City of Reading will be temporarily reduced to $1.00 per hour. The Reading Parking Authority announced the six-month rate reduction today.
The reduction comes at the request of Mayor Eddie Moran in response to the ongoing economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people living and doing business in the city.
“Our administration understands how important parking is, and during these difficult economic times, we are aware of the need to keep these meter rates affordable,” said Mayor Moran. “For this reason, we have advocated for relief and policies that assist our residents, businesses, and visitors during the pandemic.”
The RPA Board of Directors agreed the temporary decrease would provide financial relief at a time when many in the city are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
“Understanding the Mayor’s overall vision for the city, the rate reduction certainly goes hand and hand,” said RPA Board Chairman Tim Profit.
“This is a great way to launch our Citywide Parking Relief Initiative with instant relief courtesy of the Mayor. The overall initiative is rooted in finding creative ways to make parking more accessible, affordable, and efficient for our residents, and we absolutely will do just that in 2021.”
Meter rates are established by ordinance and are currently $2.00/hour. Beginning March 1, rates will be reduced to $1/hour. The reduction will continue through the end of August 2021.
In addition, at the beginning of February, the parking authority began enforcing meters on Saturday’s. Meters will now be enforced Monday through Saturday, 8am to 6pm, and expanded on days a public event is being held.