On Wednesday, April 23, 2008 a total of 202 on-street metered spaces throughout Ybor City will officially become free two-hour parking spaces. The city will work to install new signage to replace the meters that will indicate the two-hour parking limitations. The removal of the meters should take approximately three days.
The City of Tampa has been working with the Ybor Chamber, the Ybor City Development Corporation, residents and members of the Ybor business community to solve parking concerns in the district. It is anticipated the removal of the on-street parking meters will encourage more people to visit Ybor City by making the attractions, shops and restaurants more accessible.
The new two-hour parking opportunities are intended for visitors making short visits to Ybor City. Visitors staying more than two hours are encouraged to utilize the city’s three surface parking lots or the two parking garages in Ybor. Paying for extended parking at two of the surface lots has been made easier with the installation of new pay and display machines that accept coins, bills and soon charge cards. Parking rates at lots and garages are unchanged.
Additionally, the iPark card, which acts as a debit card for parking, is available through the City of Tampa Parking Division. The iPark card can be used at all City of Tampa surface lots in Ybor and metered spaces downtown.