San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
The Pitch
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency piloted the SFpark program to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The program provided drivers with real-time updates on parking availability and set demand-responsive prices.
The Problem
Minimal parking availability created congestion and pollution in San Francisco, as vehicles were often circling blocks looking for parking.
The Process
- Piloted the SFpark program across 25% of the city
- Utilized sensors, new meters, current information and demand-responsive pricing (where meter and garage rates are adjusted to match demand) to reduce circling for parking
- Deployed an app with real-time parking prices and availability
The Impact
- Lowered congestion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and minimized wasted time and fuel
- Improved the efficiency, accessibility and reliability of public transit
- Reduced the number of distracted drivers looking for parking, improving road safety
- Saw a positive response from drivers: 47-82% of drivers surveyed responded that it was “somewhat or very easy to pay for parking” after the program was put in place
- Inspired similar projects in cities around the world
