Parking Prices Rise in Dallas’ Deep Ellum Area

The city of Dallas is changing how much people pay to leave their cars in the Deep Ellum district. Starting on May 8, a meter that once charged just ten cents will now cost at least one dollar each hour. The move comes after the Dallas City Council approved new parking rates for the entire city this month. For years, many meters in downtown and other neighborhoods stayed at very low prices—some as little as five cents per hour. The council said the new pricing will help keep traffic moving in busy spots, make parking fairer across the city, and bring more money into municipal budgets.The Deep Ellum meters were delayed for over a year because city workers are rebuilding Commerce Street. The street is being turned into two lanes that go both ways, and sidewalks and drainage systems are getting upgraded. Because of these changes, the rate hike here was pushed back until next month. The other areas that will see higher rates are downtown, Uptown and Oak Cliff’s Jefferson Boulevard. Those price increases began in October of last year. Drivers who want to park in Deep Ellum should be prepared for higher fees. The city hopes that the new costs will encourage people to move their cars more quickly and reduce traffic jams.