The City of Raleigh has announced a pilot program to offer two hours of free parking in select downtown parking decks. This initiative aims to increase foot traffic and support local businesses by making the area more accessible to residents and visitors.
Kenneth Ritchie, Transportation Assistant Director, stated, “The 2-hour Free Parking pilot is intended to incentivize increased patronage to restaurants, shops, and other businesses in downtown Raleigh, a priority focus as we look to support and enhance its cultural and economic vitality.” The program will run from November 15 until the end of February 2025. It is expected that the holiday season’s economic activity will provide insights into the program’s impact. Additionally, economic activity outside the holiday period will help assess potential year-round benefits.
At the conclusion of this trial period, city officials will evaluate how the change affects parking availability and pedestrian movement in downtown Raleigh.
The participating parking decks include Blount Street Deck at 314 Blount Street, City Center Deck at 429 S. Wilmington Street, Moore Square Deck at 233 S. Wilmington Street, Municipal Building Deck at 201 W. Morgan Street, and Wilmington Street Station Deck at 117 S. Wilmington Street.
After the initial two-hour free period ends, standard parking rates will apply. The city encourages people to use this opportunity to explore downtown Raleigh’s various attractions.
To participate in this program, drivers must enter one of the designated decks between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM and obtain a spitter ticket. If they exit within two hours, no fees are charged; otherwise, fees apply for additional time at $2 per hour or part thereof up to $14 per day.
This benefit can only be used once per day across all eligible decks. For instance, if someone parks in one deck for less than two hours and exits before re-entering any deck on the same day, they will not receive another free period.
Restrictions apply: public access to Blount St. Deck is available only after 7:00 AM on weekdays with vehicles needing to exit by 7:00 PM; weekend public parking is unavailable there. On-street parking is excluded from this program as well as special event periods when different rates are enforced.
Further information about ongoing updates can be found on websites managed by City of Raleigh Parking Division or associated organizations like The Car Park or Downtown Raleigh Alliance.
