I read in the galley proofs of PT June that Federal APD has released a survey to find out what drives parking behavior. In a nutshell, the top three are Cost, Security, and Location. It varies by age and sex, but you get the point. You can read the details in June PT, on the Web June 1, in your mailbox around the 10th
This adds another arrow to the Shoupista quiver. If people care about cost, then location isn’t as important. So increasing cost on street should drive people into less convenient (and cheaper) off street locations.
A third of people were concerned about Security as number one. Most women I speak to tell me that they would rather park in a surface lot or on street than in a structure. They don’t feel comfortable in an enclosed space. They aren’t alone. I don’t either. I like the idea of being able to see (and be seen) on a surface lot. When asked about what made them feel secure it was the presence of a guard or patrol car, with “Lighting” bringing up a close second. Gee – garage owners could make people feel more secure by simply changing the light bulbs and painting the walls white. It works for me.
JVH
