New York City is busy, but the traffic has worsened over the past few years. The population has risen by 10,000 people in the past five years, and the number of cars owned by people in New York has increased as well. This is causing more road congestion and making it increasingly difficult for car owners to find a parking space.
Why is parking difficult in NY
The rising number of cars owned by people in New York is causing traffic congestion and is making it increasingly difficult for car owners to find a parking space.
Unfortunately for drivers, the number of cars owned by people in New York is increasing. The same goes for traffic jams. The Department of Transport has reported that the number of parking tickets issued in New York has risen by almost 70% over the last five years, and fines have increased by 50%.
The reason for this increase is apparent: more people living in New York means more cars on the road. It’s easy to understand why – there are simply so many things to do in Manhattan and Brooklyn that it’s impossible not to drive! As a result, finding a parking space can be challenging at times.
How can I find parking in NY?
If you’re visiting New York, you’ll probably have to drive at least once. And if you’re visiting Manhattan, you’ll have to park your car—a task that can be more difficult than finding a good dinner reservation. The good news is that the city government has enacted several measures designed to make parking easier for visitors and residents alike. But those measures don’t mean everyone will always find what they’re looking for when it comes time to put their car on the street or in an off-street lot.
The best way to find parking in NYC is by using a mobile app
The best way to find parking in NYC is by using a mobile app. You can download apps on your smartphone which allow you to:
- Find a parking spot anywhere in the city (or just outside)
- Pay for your spot with your phone or via credit card or PayPal if it’s an option
- Get directions to your spot via Google Maps or Waze (if you have them installed on your phone)
If you don’t want to use an app, there are usually websites that have similar features. For example, ParkMe gives you detailed information about different garages near where you are and allows users to rate each garage based on its amenities and price. If you are staying in the city longer or commuting regularly, monthly parking is a brilliant option that can save you lots of money. For example, monthly parking in Queens NY can cost as little as £145 a month which is a massive saving if you park more than four days a week.
If you’re looking for free parking, you’ll have to walk or use public transit
You’ll have to walk or use public transit if you’re looking for free parking. Only a few spots in Manhattan offer free street parking, and they go fast. In general, if you’re going to be driving around New York City and don’t want to pay a lot of money for your vehicle’s storage space and then some more money every time it needs refuelling (not including the cost of insurance), it’s wise to plan ahead.
You can often save money on parking if you book a spot in advance
If you’re going to be in New York City for an extended period of time, there are several ways you can save money on parking. For example, if you know you won’t be driving for at least five days in a row, look for monthly deals. On the other hand, if you know your trip will last one week or more, try getting the weekly rate. And if all else fails and it happens that a particular hour will cost less than usual, don’t hesitate to snag that last-minute deal!
Convenient parking is rarely cheap.
The key to finding the best parking in New York is understanding that the most convenient spots are rarely cheap.
- Parking in Manhattan is expensive and scarce, so you’ll have to pay for convenience if you want it. If there’s a garage or lot within walking distance, expect to pay $25–$40 per day for parking during weekdays and about $30 more on weekends (when Manhattan residents are likely home).
- Parking outside Manhattan is often cheaper than in the city center, but it may be quite a walk from your destination. So consider how far away from your location you’re willing to park—and plan accordingly!
- Parking near subway stations can cost up to 50% less than at other city locations; while this may be great news for those who want an economical spot, it also means that spots tend to fill up quickly once people get off their trains head out into town or work. So if possible, try arriving early so you can snag one of these coveted spots before they’re gone forever!
Don’t drive in Manhattan
It’s tempting to think you can park your car near where you’re going—you know like they do in every other city on Earth—but we’ve got some bad news for you: Most of New York City’s parking meters are broken, and the ones that aren’t don’t take credit cards. So once you find a space and feed the meter (or hope it works), there’s no guarantee that your car will be where you left it when you return. And even if your car does make it back to its spot with minimal damage, don’t expect your city parking ticket to be cheap at $65 per violation.
It doesn’t matter how much time or money you save using public transportation instead of paying for parking; driving is slower than taking buses or subways anyway because of traffic. However, there is some helpful information on getting around New York city at any time of year here.
Conclusion
The problem of finding a car parking space in New York is getting worse. If you’re willing to think outside the box, there are plenty of ways to make it work. Only drive in Manhattan if it’s essential. The traffic is too bad, parking costs too much and finding convenient spots for your destination can be difficult. You’ll save money and sanity by using public transportation instead!
Also Read: 5 Best Parking Management Software in 2022
