Navigating parking in downtown Charlottesville just got easier! The West 2nd Street Surface Lot, located at the corner of West 2nd and West Water Street, has undergone a significant upgrade to its parking equipment. Say goodbye to coin-operated parking meters, and hello to modern, user-friendly automated pay stations. These new stations now accept both credit cards and cash, making your parking experience smoother and more convenient. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about parking at the West 2nd Street lot.
Understanding the New Pay Stations
The old parking meters at the West 2nd Street parking area are now replaced with automated pay stations. Parking is now a park-and-pay system. Here’s how it works:
- Find your parking space and note the space number painted on the ground.
- Walk to one of the pay stations located on the corners of the parking lot.
- Press the “Start” button to activate the pay station.
- Enter your designated parking space number.
- Insert payment. The rate is $2 per hour, payable by cash or credit card. Note that the machine does not give change if paying with cash.
- Press “Accept” to finalize your parking transaction.
Payment Options: Credit Card and Currency
Paying at the West 2nd Street parking lot is flexible. You can choose to pay with either credit card or cash:
- Credit Card: Simply swipe your credit card at the pay station. The system will default to one hour of parking. To increase the parking time, use the “Plus” symbol (+). Once you’ve selected your desired parking duration, press “Accept“.
- Currency: Insert cash into the machine to add parking time. The screen will display the amount of time added based on the amount of cash inserted. Remember, no change is given back.
Important Parking Information
Keep in mind these key details when parking at West 2nd Street:
- No Receipt Display Needed: You do not need to place a receipt on your dashboard. Parking enforcement officers use a smartphone app to monitor paid spaces.
- Enforcement Hours: Payment is required between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, which remains unchanged.
- Time Limits: Some spaces have a 2-hour parking limit. These restrictions are clearly marked with signs. Please observe these signs to avoid tickets.
- ADA Parking: Four designated ADA parking spaces are available in the lot, and parking in these spaces is free for vehicles displaying valid permits.
Need Help? Contact Information
For any questions or feedback regarding the new parking equipment at the West 2nd Street Surface Lot, please feel free to reach out:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 434-284-5620
Conclusion
The upgrade to automated pay stations at the West 2nd Street parking lot in Charlottesville is designed to make parking more efficient and user-friendly. By offering multiple payment options and clear instructions, parking in downtown Charlottesville is now simpler than ever. We hope this guide helps you easily navigate the new system and enjoy your visit to the area.
