“Surge” Pricing
Want a nice (or not-so-nice) compare-and-contrast between St. Paul and Chicago?
Back in 2010, the City of Chicago sold its parking concession to a private corporation that immediately raised rates and extended hours.
The latest wrinkle?
So-called “surge” pricing for high-demand periods (top photo).
“Minnesota Nice”
By contrast, St. Paul’s street parking is still run by the city (as far as I know).
When my son and I visited the St. Paul Farmer’s Market yesterday, I was about to insert my credit card when a passerby pointed out that parking is free on Sundays (photo, above right).
P.S.: The Farmer’s Market in St. Paul features strictly local produce; in Minneapolis, from all over.
See also, “Trading Parking ‘Birthright’ For a Mess of Pottage?”

