Currently it costs you 25 cents to park at a meter in downtown Tyler for an hour but soon that will double to fifty cents per hour with a two hour maximum limit. The change was approved by the Tyler City Council and will affect nearly two-thirds of the parking meters within the downtown area. Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel said Monday the ordinance was being introduced to increase the cost of parking downtown to establish rates for the parking garage project, the Fair Plaza parking garage that is being built just south of downtown, and to examine on-street parking that compliments the new garage facility.

It's projected that 197 out of the city's 334 meters will have their prices hiked. Currently you need change to activate the meters, but with this price hike comes the added convenience being able to pay with your credit card. The new meters and equipment fee will be covered by the increase in parking fees downtown.

The new rate will be implemented on meters around the square and one block east and west of the square and stretch two blocks south on Broadway. The new rates could go into effect around September 1st, at which time the new parking facility should be operational too.

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