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PPA at Work: Parking Enforcement Officers Receive Counter-Terrorism Training

One of the guiding principles of the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s (PPA)  mission is to ensure the safety of Philadelphia’s residents and visitors. With over 200 Parking Enforcement Officers patrolling the streets, the PPA is in a unique position to continually assist law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism.

Acknowledging the unique role our officers have, the PPA has partnered with the Philadelphia Police Department’s Counter-Terrorism Operations in providing situational awareness training to identify scenarios that could potentially bring harm to the general public.

Speaking to the officers in training, Executive Director, Clarena Tolson, said, “ We not only have a unique responsibility, but we also have the skillset and physical presence to provide an additional layer of security to our City and country.”

Upon receiving the training from the Philadelphia Police Department, officers will be well equipped and prepared with invaluable knowledge to continuously enhance the safety of the general public.

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Parking 101: A Workshop on Avoiding Parking Tickets

 

We want parking your vehicle to be the least of your worries when you drive in the city to work, play or visit.  That’s why we are excited to offer this free workshop to anyone who feels the same.

If you:

1)  Get parking tickets

2)  Find parking signs confusing

3)  Cringe at the thought of parallel parking

4)  Want to learn how to avoid tickets and park safely in the city

Then, we cordially invite you to attend our FREE public workshop- “Street Parking 101.”

On Saturday, June 17th, 2017, we will host a two-hour, fact and fun-filled workshop from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at our headquarters, located at 701 Market Street.

SPACE WILL BE LIMITED, so please send an email today to [email protected] to register and find out more information.  Registration will be closed on Friday, June 9th at 5:00.

  •    Hear from your own Parking Enforcement Officers the tricks to avoid tickets and readily understand any parking sign you may come across!
  •    Get one-on-one, hands on instruction from a certified driving instructor on how to parallel park like a pro!
  •    Learn tips on parking and driving safety for two and four wheeled vehicles!

Spend your Saturday morning with us, complete the course, and then enjoy two hours of complimentary parking on us at our newly renovated Parkade on 8th parking garage!  We encourage you to enjoy your afternoon with nearby shopping, wonderful eating establishments and great historical attractions.

Again, SPACE WILL BE LIMITED, so please send an email today to [email protected] to register and find out more information. Registration will be closed on Friday, June 9th at 5:00.

We look forward to seeing you on June 17th!

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PPA Funding Part 1

 

The Philadelphia Parking Authority has multiple priorities and goals that guide our daily operations. These goals include:

  • Provide comprehensive on-street parking management services.
  • Set standards of excellence and fair pricing through the construction and management of off-street parking facilities.
  • Assist in presenting a first rate introduction to the region by providing attractive, user friendly, on-site parking facilities at the Philadelphia International Airport.
  • Ensure safe, attractive, reliable taxicab, limousine and transportation network services through sound regulations and consistent enforcement.
  • Improve traffic and pedestrian safety through automated red light camera enforcement at dangerous intersections.
  • Apply new technology and continue professional staff development to ensure the highest quality public service and the greatest efficiency in all operations.

As we strive to accomplish these goals, and in accordance with the law,  we are also responsible to provide revenue to the City’s general fund and Philadelphia School District.

How these funds are disbursed to the City’s general fund and Philadelphia School District can be confusing and complex to understand. With that said, we aim to explain how these funds are disbursed in the below FAQs:

 

What PPA Revenue Streams are Allocated for the City’s General Fund and Philadelphia School District?

By law, all of PPA’s on-street operations net revenue is allocated to the City’s general fund and Philadelphia School District.  On-street operations revenue is generated from meter payments, permit fees, parking fines, vehicle auction proceeds and booting and towing fees.

 

How much of the PPA’s On-Street Revenue is given to the City’s General Fund and Philadelphia School District?

 

By law, each fiscal year the PPA is responsible to provide all net-revenue from on-street operations to the City’s General Fund and Philadelphia School District. In fiscal year 2017, we provided over forty-five million dollars ($45 million) to the City’s General Fund and Philadelphia School District.

 

How much of the PPA’s On-Street Revenue is forwarded to the City’s General Fund?

In 2014, the PA General Assembly set an annual minimum threshold of thirty-five million dollars ($35 million) to be disbursed to the City’s general fund. By law, it was also mandated that any percentage increase in gross revenue from on-street operations in a given fiscal year is applied to the total amount given to the City’s general fund.  In Fiscal Year 2017 we contributed $35,350,417 to the City’s general fund.

 

Explain the  “percentage increase” to me. What is it?

In 2014, the PA General Assembly’s legislation also provided a formula to annually raise the minimum amount of thirty-five million dollars ($35 million) given to the City’s general fund based off the prior year’s increase in gross revenue. That minimum has increased to over thirty-seven million dollars ($37 million) and can never drop, even during a decrease in on-street operations gross revenue due to weather emergencies or other factors.  

 

In Fiscal Years 2015 -2017, less than thirty-seven million dollars ($37 million) was disbursed to the City’s General Fund. Why?

Beginning in fiscal year 2015, it was agreed that Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (BAA) expenses would be charged to the City (General Fund) so funding to the School District would not be affected.  This resulted in an extra three million dollars ($3 million) being disbursed to the School District between fiscal years 2015 and 2017.

 

How much of the PPA’s On-Street Revenue is forwarded to the Philadelphia School District?

Also in accordance with the law, after the minimum is disbursed to the City’s general fund, the Philadelphia School District receives the remaining net-revenue generated from on-street parking operations.  In Fiscal Year 2017 we contributed $9,766,043 to the Philadelphia School District. Unlike the City’s general fund, there is no minimum threshold amount disbursed to the Philadelphia School District.

 

Can the PPA designate how funds are distributed to the City’s General Fund and/or Philadelphia School District?

The Parking Authority has no say in how these funds are distributed.  Mandated by statute according to Act 84, passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2012, all net revenues from on-street parking operations are disbursed to the City’s general fund and Philadelphia School District.

 

Is there a breakdown of how the funds were disbursed throughout the past fiscal years?

Yes, the chart below provides a breakdown of how funds were disbursed to the  City’s General Fund and School District between fiscal years 2015 and 2017. Between fiscal years 2015 and 2017, an average of forty-six million dollars ($46 million) was disbursed to the City’s General Fund and Philadelphia School District.

 

 

Disclaimer:

The financial figures for Fiscal Year 2017 provided within are unaudited and are subject to change. 

 

PHOTO CREDITS:

Towey Recreation Center: Malerie Yolen-Cohen 

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PPA at Work: Officers Instructed on Supporting Public Safety

The job of a Parking Enforcement Officer entails more than just issuing parking violations.  As a large force that is present daily on our city streets, they can be the eyes and ears for other city agencies, as well as ambassadors for the public in general. In a continued effort to support public safety, officers report dangerous street conditions, malfunctioning traffic lights as well as report children and dogs left alone in vehicles.

In recognizing the important role your enforcement officers can play, the PPA is partnering with Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services and Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual Disability Services to provide  officers with comprehensive Homeless Services and Behavioral Health training.

Speaking to the officers in training, PPA Executive Director, Clarena Tolson said, “As a public service agency with hundreds of boots on the ground on a daily basis, we’re happy to expand the city’s resources and help support safety on our streets.”

This comprehensive safety initiative educates our officers by first teaching them to recognize circumstances that may have the potential to put members of the public in danger.  They are also taught what to do if this situation arises and who they should contact to address the situation.  This training will assist us in not only keeping our employees safe on the streets, but others as well.

To learn more about Philadelphia’s homeless population, visit the  websites of  Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services or Department of Behavioral Health & Disability Services.  

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PPA Funding Part II: Funding to Government Entities in Fiscal Year 2017

Throughout each fiscal year, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) through its multiple departments is responsible by law to provide funding to various government entities. Those government entities include:

  • The City of Philadelphia
  • The School District of Philadelphia
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
  • The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Philadelphia Traffic Court
  • Philadelphia’s First Judicial District
  • The Department of Interior

In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA disbursed it’s highest amount yet of one-hundred and fourteen million dollars ($114 million) to these agencies while remaining steadfast in its mission to:

  • Provide comprehensive on-street parking management services.
  • Set standards of excellence and fair pricing through the construction and management of off-street parking facilities.
  • Assist in presenting a first rate introduction to the region by providing attractive, user friendly, on-site parking facilities at the Philadelphia International Airport.
  • Ensure safe, attractive, reliable taxicab, limousine and transportation network services through sound regulations and consistent enforcement.
  • Improve traffic and pedestrian safety through automated red light camera enforcement at dangerous intersections.
  • Apply new technology and continue professional staff development to ensure the highest quality public service and the greatest efficiency in all operations.

With Fiscal Year 2017 behind us, we want to take the time to show how these funds were disbursed among all government entities. Let’s get started:

 

Payments to the City of Philadelphia:

In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA disbursed over ninety-one million dollars ($91 million) to the City of Philadelphia from a combination of:

  • On-Street Operations Net-Revenue ($37,846,946)
  • Airport Operations Net-Revenue ($32,779,542)
  • AutoPark at Independence Mall Operations ($1,091,020)
  • Philadelphia Parking Tax Payment ($20,348,160)

 

Payments to the School District of Philadelphia:

By law, the PPA disburses the remaining net-revenue from on-street parking operations after making the required payment to the City’s General Fund. In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA disbursed over nine million dollars ($9,766,043 to be exact) to the School District of Philadelphia.

Additional information on how this fund disbursement is calculated can be found here.

 

Payments to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT):

Also in accordance with the law, the PPA disburses all net-revenue from its Red-Light Camera Operations to the Pennsylvania Motor License Fund, which is administered by PennDOT. Fifty percent (50%) of those funds will be returned to the City of Philadelphia through PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) transportation improvement grants.

 

Payments to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Each fiscal year, the PPA provides funding to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through a combination of two categories. Those categories are:

  • Impounded Vehicle Auction Sales Tax ($285,185)
  • Impounded Vehicle Title Fees ($256,714)

In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA provided over five-hundred and forty thousand dollars ($540,000) to the Commonwealth through auctions sales taxes and vehicle title fees.

 

Filing Fees to Philadelphia’s First Judicial District:

Before an impounded vehicle is eligible for public auction, the PPA is responsible, by law, to obtain permission from the First Judicial District of Philadelphia to do so. In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA paid the First Judicial District over sixty-nine thousand dollars ($69,000) in filing fees in order to auction impounded vehicles.

 

Payments to Philadelphia’s Traffic Court:

After an impounded vehicle is sold at a PPA public auction, the funds collected from the sale are allocated to pay outstanding towing, storage and ticket fees. The remaining funds (if applicable) are provided to the Philadelphia Traffic Court and allocated towards any outstanding moving violations associated with the auctioned vehicle. In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA provided over one-hundred and seventy-four thousand dollars ($174,000) to the Philadelphia Traffic Court.

 

Payments to the Department of Interior:

Though the PPA operates the AutoPark at Old City, it is actually owned by the Department of Interior. In this partnership, the PPA provides 36% of its gross revenue generated at the AutoPark at Old City to support Independence National Historic Park. In Fiscal Year 2017, the PPA disbursed over eight-hundred and sixty thousand dollars ($860,000) to the Department of Interior through its ongoing partnership.

 

 

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Funding PPA Municipal Lots

A vital component of our obligation to residents and visitors is to provide safe, affordable and convenient off-street parking options in our city.

Recognizing the limited street space available in our neighborhoods, we operate and maintain 43 neighborhood lots throughout the city. Of those 43 lots, 25 are free to both residents and visitors alike. Additionally, we also provide 18 neighborhood lots that charge a nominal daily or monthly fee for parking.

As we strive to provide quality services to the public, there are significant on-going maintenance costs. Lots are kept clear of snow in the winter, clean at all times, well lit, and safe for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Advertising is one option we have used for over 20 years at these lots to allow us to continue providing this service at little or no cost to the public, while at the same time help off-set the annual cost to maintain the lots.

By law, all revenue generated from off-street parking fees and advertising are not combined with the revenue produced by on-street operations.  Additionally, on-street revenue is directed to the City’s general fund and School District and cannot be used to maintain off-street facilities. This year on-street operations generated over forty-seven million dollars ($47 million) for the City’s general fund and School District.

We hope to continue in our mission to provide safe, affordable and convenient off-street parking options and welcome input from the public.  We invite you to partner with us to craft a solution that will work for your neighborhood and also allow us to provide you with this service in the most cost-effective manner.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Please reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook, or directly to our Facilities Director at [email protected]

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Getting Parked During the NFL Draft

If the past year has taught us anything about Philly, it’s that we know how to host big events—and we’ll be reminded of our event hosting prowess from April 27-29 as the NFL Draft sets up shop on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

With more than 200,000 fans expected to attend, the 2017 NFL Draft Experience will offer families and devoted NFL fans a plethora of interactive experiences, including a 100-yard zipline and a selfie opportunity with the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy! Not a bad deal considering the draft experience is free to attend. For the complete run-down on the must-do attractions during the 2017 NFL Draft Experience, click here.

A word to the wise: To gain access to exclusive events during the NFL Draft Experience, register for the Fan Mobile Pass.

Now onto parking:
First things first: Throughout the duration of the NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience, there will be traffic and parking restrictions on and around the Ben Franklin Parkway. For a comprehensive list of the restrictions, click here. Maps highlighting the traffic and parking restrictions can also be seen here.  

Residential Parking Permit Holders:
From Monday, April 24 – Monday, May 8, residents who have a valid residential parking permit for District Zone 6 will be permitted to park in District Zone 17. Additionally, District Zone 17 permit holders will be permitted to park within District Zone 6 if necessary. The boundaries for District Zones 6 and 17 can be found here.

Note: Any vehicle not in possession of a valid District Zone 6 and/or District Zone 17 permit parked within these zones will be subject to ticketing after exceeding the posted time limit.


Free Parking for Draft Attendees:
Those attending the NFL Draft and NFL Draft Experience can park for FREE at the sports stadium complex located in South Philadelphia. If you plan on parking at the sports stadium complex, you’re encouraged to utilize SEPTA’s Broad Street Line subway, located at Pattison Avenue and Broad Street.  

PPA Parking Facilities Near the NFL Draft:
If you’d rather park closer to all the festivities on the Parkway, the PPA operates three facilities within close walking distance. Check out the rates and locations below. As always, feel free to reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook with any questions!

 

Gateway Parking Garage:
1540 Vine Street

Rates:

  • Up to 20 Minutes – $3.00
  • Each Additional 20 Minutes (or portion)  – $3.00
  • Up to 10 Hours – $18.00
  • Up to 24 Hours – $22.00
  • Evening Rates (M-F enter AFTER 5 p.m., exit by 9 a.m.) – $5.00
  • Weekend Rate – (Sat & Sun, must exit by Monday at 9am) – $7 per day

 

19th & Callowhill Low
1901 Callowhill Street

Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour – $6.00
  • Up to 2 hours – $11.00
  • Up to 12 hours – $17.00
  • Up to 24 hours – $19.00

Specials:

  • Early Bird – Enter before 9 a.m., Exit by 6 p.m. (Monday through Friday) – $11.00
  • Weekends – $11.00 (Flat Rate Per Day)
  • Evening (enter after 5 p.m., exit by 6 a.m. Monday-Friday) – $9.00

 

Family Courthouse Garage:
1503-11 Arch Street

Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour: $13.00
  • Up to 1 1/2 hours: $18.00
  • Up to 2 hours: $24.00
  • Up to 12 hours: $26.00

Specials:

  • Early Bird – Enter by 9 a.m., exit by 7 p.m. (Monday through Friday) – $16.00
  • Evenings rate after 5 p.m. (exit by 6 a.m.) – $10.00
  • Weekend rate (per day, exit by 6 a.m.) – $12.50
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Where to Park for the Philadelphia Science Festival

 

Put your thinking caps on: On April 21, the Philadelphia Science Festival returns for its 7th year! Organized by the Franklin Institute, the nine-day, citywide festival aims to celebrate and build a community around science, engineering and technology to perhaps inspire the next Einstein.

Through April 29, the festival will boast more than 80 events ranging from family outings to workshops for all ages scattered throughout Philly. Get a sneak peak of the festival in the promo reel below:

 

YouTube player

The grand finale comes on Saturday, April 29 during the Science Carnival at Penn’s Landing, where event-goers will be treated to live entertainment, geeky games and dynamic demonstrations. Sound like your cup of tea? Plan ahead and map out your experience by checking out the event guide here.

Before unleashing the nerdiness within you, let’s get you parked. With all the events and workshops scattered throughout Philly, you’ll find conveniently located parking at one of our seven Center City garages. If you’re holding out for the Science Carnival on April 29, our Old City AutoPark is located only blocks away from the festivities. Check out the rates below and give us a holler on Twitter or Facebook if you have any questions!

 

Old City AutoPark:
2nd & Sansom Streets

Rates:

  • Up to 1/2 hour – $4.00
  • Up to 1 hours – $8.00
  • Up to 1 1/2 hours – $12.50
  • Up to 2 hours – $16.50
  • Up to 12 hours – $18.50
  • Up to 24 hours – $20.50

Specials:

Early Bird – Enter by 9 a.m., exit by 6 p.m. – $10.50

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Where to Park for the Saint Paddy’s Day Parade

It’s no secret that Philly has a plethora of traditions when it comes to annual events, and when it comes to this upcoming weekend, the Philadelphia Flower Show won’t be the only event turning heads in downtown Philly. The 247th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will also be making its way through Center City this Sunday!

Here’s what you need to know:

Come this Sunday, March 12 from noon through 3 p.m., a sea of green will be traveling down the new parade route from City Hall down Market Street to Penn’s Landing. Floats, marching bands, leprechauns, you name it—they’ll all be there honoring the patron saint of Ireland. To get a bigger glimpse of what to expect, check out the details here.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday as well!

Now before decking yourself out in green and heading to the festivities, make sure you check out your most convenient parking options. Luckily, six of our garages are located very close to the parade route. Look out for the rates below and feel free to throw any questions at us on Twitter or Facebook.

Gateway Parking Garage
Rates:

  • Weekends  – $7.00 (Flat Rate Per Day)

AutoPark at Olde City
Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour  – $8.00
  • Up to 1 ½ hour  – $12.50
  • Up to 2 hours – $16.50
  • Up to 10 hours – $18.50

Specials:

  • Early Bird (Enter by 9 AM & Exit by 6 PM)  – $14.00

The AutoPark at the Gallery Mall
Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour  – $5.00
  • Up to 2 hours – $9.00
  • Up to 3 hours – $13.00
  • Up to 12 hours – $21.50

Specials:

  • Super Early Bird (Enter by 8 AM & Exit by 8 PM)  – $10.50
  • Early Bird (Enter by 10 AM & Exit by 6 PM)  – $13.00

The AutoPark at Jefferson
Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour  – $13.00
  • Up to 2 hours – $20.00
  • Up to 12 hours – $23.00

Specials:

  • Early Bird (Enter by 10 AM & Exit by 6 PM)  – $16.00

Parkade on 8th
Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour  – $9.00
  • Up to 1 ½ hour  – $12.00
  • Up to 2 hours – $15.00
  • Up to 12 hours – $18.00

Specials:

  • Early Bird (Enter by 10 AM & Exit by 7 PM)  – $12.50

AutoPark at Independence Mall
Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour  – $8.00
  • Up to 1 ½ hour  – $12.50
  • Up to 2 hours – $17.50
  • Up to 10 hours – $20.00

Specials:

  • Early Bird (Enter by 9 AM & Exit by 6 PM)  – $10.50

 

Need helping finding a parking spot? We’re listening on Twitter and Facebook!

 

PHOTO CREDIT: R. KENNEDY FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA

 

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