Notice: Undefined index: post_type in /var/www/vhosts/philapark.org/wp-content/plugins/brave-popup-builder/lib/render.php on line 329

Notice: Undefined index: post_type in /var/www/vhosts/philapark.org/wp-content/plugins/brave-popup-builder/lib/render.php on line 329

AuthorPPA Staff

HomeArticles Posted by PPA Staff (Page 33)

Parking for Visitors

 

In recent years, Philly has become a national hub for hosting diverse events. Everybody remembers the Papal Visit in 2015, The Democratic National Convention in 2016 and The NFL Draft in 2017.

That’s excluding annual events like Wawa Welcome America’s Fourth of July festival, Jay Z’s Made in America music festival on the Parkway, and The Broad Street Run for the running enthusiast. What can we say? Philly knows how to host big events.

We want to make sure your trip into the city is as seamless as possible. That’s why we offer special parking just for visitors. Get the lowdown on how you can benefit.

Let’s Get To It:

Day passes:

  • Day passes consist of a single booklet of five parking passes for $35.
  • Residents can purchase a maximum of two booklets, and then wait 90 days before buying another.
  • Proof of residence is required.
  • To use the pass, scratch off the month and date on which the pass will be used, and write the visitor’s license plate number in the box provided on the pass. Then, hang the pass on the rearview mirror. You can download the day pass application here: Day Pass Application.

Temporary parking passes:

  • Temporary parking passes can be purchased per visitor vehicle for a maximum of 30 days (or two increments of 15 days).
  • After the 30 days have passed, that visitor vehicle has to wait 45 days before they can get another temporary pass.
  • Temporary parking passes cost $15 for 15 days. To purchase a temporary pass, visit our office at 35 N. Eighth Street.
  • Proof of residence is required.
  • Since temporary parking passes are assigned to license plates, you must provide the license plate number of the visitor’s vehicle.

Note: Day passes are valid for up to a year after purchase.

And that’s how it’s done. If you have any questions, you can call our customer service office at 215-683-9730. We can also field any questions on  X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

Read More

Where To Park for the Made In America Music Festival

If you’ve got 99 problems, don’t let parking be one…

It’s that time again! Philly does Labor Day weekend right with Made in America. On Sept. 2nd and 3rd, the two-day festival hits The Ben Franklin Parkway with superstars like Jay Z, J.Cole, The Chainsmokers, Solange and many more. With big names like this, it’s hard to say no to this festival.

Here’s The Thing:

Getting around during the festival is going to be a little tough. Especially with Jay Z headlining (his new record went platinum in less than a week, after all.) Luckily, we have three parking locations in mind. The Gateway Garage,19th and Callowhill and the Family Courthouse Garage are within close walking distance to the festivities.

 

19TH & CALLOWHILL STREET LOT
1901 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Rates:

  • Weekends – $10.00 (flat rate per day)

 

GATEWAY PARKING GARAGE
1540 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Rates:

Evening rate – enter after 5 p.m., exit by 9 a.m.  – $5.00

Weekend rate – enter after 5 p.m. Friday, exit by 9 a.m. Monday – $7.00

 

THE FAMILY COURTHOUSE GARAGE
1503-11 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Rates:

Evening rate – enter after 5 p.m., exit by 6 a.m.  – $10.00

Weekend rate –flat rate per day, exit by 6 a.m. Monday – $11.00

Having a hassle with parking? Let us help!  Reach out on Twitter and Facebook and we can get you squared away.

CREDIT: M. EDLOW FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA

Read More

PPA’s Widely Popular “meterUP” Pay-by-Phone App to be Back In Action by Late Fall!

After a temporary suspension, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is pleased to announce the return of its hugely popular “meterUP” pay-by-phone parking service.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority board today approved a new vendor for the new mobile parking payment application – which will continue to be called “meterUP.” The new vendor is ParkMobile, LLC. ParkMobile has multiple years experience in this industry and is the vendor to many large cities throughout the United States, including New York City, Denver, Dallas, DC, and Miami.

Executive Director Clarena Tolson said, “After the success of the previous “meterUP” pilot program, the PPA is excited to offer this very popular paying option to the riding public again. The application was highly embraced when offered in the past, so we felt it was imperative that we offer this method of payment as soon as possible.”

The “meterUP” app will allow drivers to pay for parking with a smart phone and electronically add more time remotely. It began in November of 2015 and was temporarily suspended in April when the PPA’s former service provider unexpectedly closed shop due to financial problems, forcing the agency to temporarily suspend the app and issue an immediate RFP (Request for Proposals) for another service provider.

The new vendor has sixty days from the implementation of the contract to roll out the first three phases. The initial three roll-out phases include Center City Core and Fringe, University City and all three rail stations, including Fox Chase, Torresdale and Fern Rock. The PPA anticipates that the app will be available for use by mid to late fall of this year.

When first initiated, “meterUP” was hailed as another PPA technological innovation aimed at improving customer service and convenience for motorists parking in Philadelphia.

In announcing the selection of the new vendor, PPA Executive Director Clarena Tolson said, “We are very pleased “meterUP” will be back in business shortly and we apologize for any inconvenience the temporary suspension may have caused our customers. People can now get back to the convenience of electronically adding more time remotely for parking.”

Customers will be required to download the new “meterUP” application.

Read More

Contesting a Ticket: You’ve Got Options

You Have Options:
From walking into an ice cream shop with 50+ flavors or getting a parking ticket you think you have been wrongfully issued, remember that you have options. It’s important to assess the situation and move forward with whatever your choice may be, whether that’s paying or contesting a ticket, or choosing between chocolate and strawberry.

You Have Rights:
Not only does the Philadelphia Parking Authority fully support everyone’s right to contest a ticket, we also want you to know your options for contesting them.

How to Contest A Ticket:
In some cases, contesting a ticket can be done directly through the Parking Violations Branch (PVB). If your claim involves…

  1. A broken parking meter
  2. Having a valid kiosk receipt
  3. Or possessing a valid permit/disabled placard for the location you were parked
  4. Sign discrepancy

…then your best bet would be addressing it with the PVB. Here’s how:

  • Contest the ticket through this web form.
  • Mail your information to the PVB:

Parking Violations Branch PO Box 41818
Philadelphia, PA 19101-1819

  • Call the PVB at 888-591-3636 if you have any questions.

All other situations where a ticket is being contested that weren’t mentioned above can be addressed with the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (BAA). And yet again — you have options:

  • Submit your case by mail. To learn how to submit your case by mail, click here.
  • Submit your case online by clicking here.

Any questions about contesting your ticket? We’ll get you answers through Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).

Read More

Old City Nightlife Special

Old City is like that friend who shows up to your house ready with plans for the evening. With each new season, the historic neighborhood never fails to put a modern twist on the norm. With countless activities to partake in, this part of town never ceases so delight. And here’s why:

The Delicious Food:
You can’t go wrong with a cheesesteak from Campo’s or a visit to Fork for some fine dining. If you’re looking for some of the best ice cream in town, The Franklin Fountain is your spot.

Nightlife:
You worked hard all week and want to tear it up on the dance floor. We know. Old City has plenty of places to pull all your fresh moves out.

Art Scene:
Easy. Old City isn’t only known for the fantastic First Friday shows held by local galleries; The Muse, The Center for Art in Wood, and many more have plenty of exhibitions all month long.

History:
Old City is, as you may know, especially known for its deep historical roots. Among many things, this part of town gets bragging rights in essentially being the nation’s birthplace AND being home to the oldest residential street in America.  

Shopping:
You won’t leave empty-handed after a walk through Old City. Boutiques and shops flourish on just about every block, so you won’t be able to hide from any good sale.

Parking:
Are you enticed by anything mentioned above? Lucky for you, we offer $8 flat-rate parking at our Independence Mall AutoPark every Friday and Saturday night from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Now you can have peace of mind without putting a dent in your wallet. It’s conveniently located under the Independence Visitor Center. Get there early to claim your spot—the garage fills up quick!

Need assistance from the parking gurus? Get in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

CREDIT: B. KRIST FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA

 

Read More

PPA Parking Cheat Sheet

Philadelphia is full of endless opportunities. If you’re an art lover, there’s a place for you. Foodie? There’s a plethora of options. Exercise junkie? The city is your treadmill.

Finding parking can be a hassle from time to time. Just like you, we like to know our options. Thankfully we’re here to help with the Official PPA Parking Cheat Sheet to cut corners and find discounted parking that works for your wallet.

Here You Have It:

Early Bird Specials:

Our 4 Morning Hacks spell out exactly how to achieve a successful morning to get to the places you need to be on time. But did you know we offer early bird specials at our seven Center City garages? If not, you’re going to want to check out our early bird specials here.   

AutoPark Validations:

Catching a show at the Arden Theatre or taking a tour of the National Constitution Center? Parking validations are available for those and many other venues in Center City! Just remember: You must present your parking validation ticket before leaving the AutoPark.

Old City Nightlife Special:

Sure, Old City is known for its art scene, but it also has an extensive nightlife. There’s really nothing like an evening in Old City, especially on the weekends. From dinner at The Continental and a movie at The Ritz East  or The Ritz at the Bourse, you won’t regret your time spent in Old City. You really won’t regret a scoop of ice cream from Franklin Fountain to top off the night.

That’s why every Friday and Saturday night after 5 p.m., you’ll want to take up our $8 flat-rate parking at our Independence AutoPark. So before you grab a meal and see a movie, claim your spot before they fill up! Check out more details here.

Free Parking Days:

The PPA offers free parking and does not enforce parking meters on select holidays. Additionally, time limits on residential blocks are not enforced on:

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Martin Luther King Jr Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth (June 19)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day (December 25)

Got questions? Get your answers by reaching out to us on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter)!

Read More

PPA Early Bird Parking Specials

Nobody loves waking up early in the morning. Hollywood makes waking up look effortless but, we all know movies do not entirely portray reality. Take La La Land for instance: If we could could wake up without bags under our eyes and hop out of bed with the energy Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone had, we all would.

You Get the Point:

On the silver screen, everything goes as planned, but in real life that’s not always the case. To make your life a little easier each morning, check out the PPA’s 4 Morning Hacks to ease your morning commute and get you to work on time:

#1: Keep Your Alarm Clock Across Your Room

  • Whether you have a classic alarm clock or use your phone, keep your alarm on the opposite side of the bedroom instead of at your bedside.This way, you have no option other than to get your feet on the ground.

#2: The Obvious: DON’T HIT SNOOZE!

  • We all have a love-hate relationship with the snooze button. With just a simple tap on the screen, we catch a few extra Z’s, but the downside is something we have all experienced: falling back into a deep slumber and being late.

#3: Give Yourself 15 Extra Minutes

  • Tell yourself you need to be somewhere 15 minutes earlier than you need to be. If you have to be at work by 8 a.m., plan to be there by 7:45 a.m. This way, when unforeseen circumstances like traffic or an elevator taking 12 light years to get upstairs cross your path, you have some leeway.

#4: Set The Stage

  • Don’t wait until the morning to gather your belongings. Instead, gather everything up the night before. From coffee, to your outfit, to putting your bags by the door, setting up beforehand is going to save you time and get you out of the door on time.

Now that you have our 4 Morning Hacks at your fingertips, it’s time to get the lowdown on your reward for being early. Discounted rates for early birds will not only get you to the places you need to be on time, but save you a few bucks in the grand scheme of things. Chances are if you take advantage of these morning hacks, you will be able to take advantage of our Early Bird parking rates.

Check out our Early Bird parking rates below. If you have any questions, let us know through Facebook or X (formerly Twitter)!

Parkade on 8th

  • Enter between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m, exit by 5 p.m. – $13.00

Autopark at the Fashion District

  • Enter between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m, exit by 5 p.m. – $16.00

Gateway Parking Garage

  • Enter by 9 a.m., exit by 6 p.m. (Monday through Friday) –  $16.00

The AutoPark at Jefferson

  • Enter between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m, exit by 5 p.m. – $16.00

8th & Chestnut Lot

  • Enter between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., exit by 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) –  $16.00

AutoPark at Independence Mall

  • Enter between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., exit by 5 p.m. – $15.00

AutoPark at Olde City

  • Enter between 5 AM and 8 a.m., exit by 5 p.m. – $13.00

19th & Callowhill Street Lot

  • Enter between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., exit by 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) –  $14.00

Family Courthouse Garage

  • Enter between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m, exit by 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday) – $21.00
Read More

What Happens to an Unpaid Ticket: A Cautionary Tale

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Another ticket on my windshield?”

It’s an unsettling sight to see when you first catch sight of your vehicle. Whether it’s one or more tickets, it’s important you take action sooner than later.

Here’s Why:

Timing is crucial. When no action is taken 15 days after the ticket is issued, a Notice of Violation (NOV) is sent to the vehicle’s registered address reminding its owner to either pay or dispute the ticket within 10 days.

If no action is taken within 10 days of the date noted on the NOV, a $30 penalty will be added. After that, then the vehicle owner has another 10 days to pay or contest the ticket before a second penalty of $35 is added.

If you want to dispute your ticket, don’t wait until the last minute. The longer you wait, the more late fees you will accumulate, which means more money out of your pocket. So let’s just say you have a $36 dollar meter-expired ticket: The last thing you should think is, “I’ll worry about paying this later.” That may not be the best decision because that $36-dollar ticket could wind up being a whopping $101 dollars.

In the long run, the choice is yours, but we suggest taking action sooner rather than later. And remember: The Philadelphia Parking Authority supports your right to contest any ticket you feel has been wrongfully issued. If you would like to contest a ticket, please click here for your options. Payment options can also be found here.

If you have questions regarding your ticket or anything parking related, reach out to us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

 

Read More

All is Not Lost: How to Contact Our Taxi Lost and Found

You’re stuck in the office two hours after everyone left, not to mention you’re hangry and completely exhausted. You hail a taxi so you can get home ASAP. You arrive home, throw the driver $20 and bolt out the door. It’s not until you get in the house that you realize it: You left your phone in the back of the cab.

We’ve all been around that block before. You probably thought you would never see your belongings again. But here’s some good news: We might be able to track down your lost item through our taxi lost and found. Just fill out the form below, and our team will get to work.

Be sure to provide us with as much information as possible. Once we receive your information, our taxi lost and found team will get crackin’.

By taking advantage of our lost and found, there’s a good chance your item can be returned to you. Please don’t assume all is lost until you’ve checked with us! We’ll be sure to do everything we can to help.

Read More

Board Meeting Round-Up: June 28th, 2017

 

 

Chairman’s Items – Joesph T. Ashdale

  • Board Chairman, Joseph T. Ashdale, invited comment from members of the general public.
    • Members of the taxi industry provided a proposal to expand taxi stand locations throughout Philadelphia.
    • Ms. Tolson noted that the Authority is already in discussions with the Philadelphia Streets Department regarding new taxi stands, which must be approved by the City.

 

Director’s Report – Clarena I.W. Tolson

Executive Director, Clarena Tolson, provided updates on the following:

Authority Policies and Procedures:

  • Over several months, the Authority has been extensively reviewing and implementing new standard operating procedures throughout all departments.
  • The implementation of new standard operating procedures initially began with the Authority’s Human Resources, Payroll and Time Control Departments.The new procedures and protocols are being developed to support transformative change at the Authority.

Contracts:

  • The Authority sought Request for Proposal responses from potential vendors to continue the Authority’s Red Light Enforcement Program. The Authority’s main objective was to improve service at decreased costs.
  • A designated panel of Authority staff continue to review proposals from mobile parking payment vendors. Beginning July 10th, 2017, the review of proposals and the negotiation of terms will continue through direct presentations from potential vendors with the goal being to have a new mobile parking payment system operational in the Fall 2017.

Airport Operations:

  • The Authority has refined its capital program in partnership with a board approved financial advisor. After productive meetings with the financial advisor, a presentation is being prepared for the City’s Division of Aviation after which the Authority will seek approval from the City to move forward.

Employee Training:

  • 85% of Authority employees have completed sexual harassment awareness training. Training of all Authority staff should be complete by mid August 2017.
  • 87% of Authority management and supervisory staff have completed ethics training. All training for management and supervisory personnel will be complete by September 2017.

Public Outreach:

  • On June 17th, 2017, the Authority held its inaugural workshop titled “Parking 101.” Two Parking Enforcement Supervisors and other Authority staff presented information on how to read parking signs, how to avoid tickets and how to safely park.
  • The Bicycle Coalition also joined in this event to make vehicle operators more mindful to sharing the road.
  • The Authority’s On-Street parking staff has been selected to present on the topic of fraudulent disabled placards at the Pennsylvania Parking Association Conference.

 

Finance and Administration

Legal Services:

  • While the Authority handles over 95% of most legal matters in-house, from time-to–time matters are referred to outside counsel. After a competitive public process designed to create a pool of qualified outside counsel, the Board unanimously approved entering into contracts with the following firms (there are no guaranteed minimums):
    • Leonard, Sciolla, Hutchinson, Leonard & Tinari
    • The Chartwell
    • Schaff & Young
    • Archer
    • Sand & Saidel
    • Merkin Shotland
    • Marshall Dennehey
    • Swartz Campbell
    • Eckert Seamans

Managed Print Services:

In continuation of the Authority’s contract with KDI, Inc. for Managed Print Services, the Board unanimously approved spending an additional $105,588.32 to cover the Authority’s printing costs through the end of September 2017.

Amendments to the Employee Manual:

  • The Board unanimously approved amendments to the Authority’s employee manual in an effort to encourage the highest standards for public employees. In particular, amendments concerning overtime, compensatory time and leave benefits make the Authority’s policies more consistent with the private sector and the City.

Conflict of Interest Policy:

  • The Board unanimously approved a new Conflict of Interest Policy. The policy is intended to clarify circumstances where an employee or Board Member may be in a position contrary to the best interests of the Authority. The policy makes clear that those circumstances are to be avoided and provides a mandatory disclosure process and requires continued training.

 

On-Street Division

Red Light Traffic Signal Photo Enforcement System:

The Board unanimously approved entering into a contract with Conduent State & Local

Solutions to administer the Authority’s Red Light Traffic Signal Enforcement System in Philadelphia. After considering proposals from three (3) vendors, the Authority’s Selection Committee recommended awarding the contract to Conduent at a price of $2,583.00 for each camera per month (the current cost per camera is $3,825). This award will reduce operational costs by $161,460.00 per month ($1,937,520.00 annually).

 

Engineering and Design

Repair Lintels over Garages at Essington Avenue:

The Board unanimously approved entering into a contract with Schneider Restoration, Inc. to repair lintels at the Authority’s Impound and Vehicle Maintenance Facility at 6801 Essington Avenue for the proposed total amount of $193,000.00, contingent upon the successful negotiation of a contract with the Authority.

 

Taxi & Limousine Division

Docket No. A-17-04-01

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-1428 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

 

Applicant-Buyer: Sunsheen Cab Co, CPC Application No. 103575-01

Owner-Seller: V.V.V. Cab Company, CPC No. 1000759-01

Sale Price: $63,000.00

 

Docket No. A-17-05-01

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-1203 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

 

Applicant-Buyer:  Zega Trans Inc, CPC No. 1034935-01

Owner-Seller: AIM Trans., CPC No. 1017317-01

Sale Price: $40,000.00

 

Docket No. A-17-05-02

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0802 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

 

Applicant-Buyer: Kler Taxi Inc, CPC Application No. A-1035731-01

Owner-Seller: Oged, Inc., No.1000740-01

Sale Price: $53,000.00

 

Docket No. A-17-05-03

The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0544 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

 

Applicant-Buyer: Arshad Co, CPC Application No. A-1035735-01

Owner-Seller: Oged, Inc., CPC No. 1000740-01

Sale Price: $53,000.000

 

Docket No. A-17-05-04
The Board unanimously approved the sale to transfer ownership of Medallion No. P-0396 along with the issuance of a corresponding taxicab certificate of public convenience.

 

Applicant-Buyer: Das Cab, LLC, CPC Application No. A-1035754-01

Owner-Seller: Baz Cab, LLC, CPC No. 1034921-01

Sale Price: $52,500.00

 

Taxi & Limousine Adjudication Department

The Board unanimously approved changes to the composition of the Taxi & Limousine Division (TLD) Adjudication Department. Effective July 5, 2017, the Honorable Sheldon T. Jelin will be appointed as the presiding officer in the TLD’s Adjudication Department.

Read More