Downtown Knoxville Introduces Digital Parking System

New digital parking meters installed in Downtown Knoxville

News Summary

Starting March 1, 2025, Downtown Knoxville will implement a new digital parking system in partnership with ParkMobile. This system aims to enhance the parking experience for both residents and visitors. Alongside digital payment options, rate adjustments will take effect on March 10, 2025. The new plan is designed to accommodate the area’s growth while ensuring availability for all users. Free parking remains available during specific hours, and traditional cash payments will still be accepted in parking garages.

Big Changes Are Coming to Downtown Knoxville’s Parking!

If you’ve ever parked in Downtown Knoxville, you know it can be a bit of a puzzle. Well, get ready for a *brand-new* way to pay for parking because starting March 1, 2025, the city is rolling out a **digital parking system** that promises to make things easier for visitors and residents alike. There’s also some rate adjustments to keep in mind, so buckle up!

What’s Happening?

City crews will hit the streets kicking off the sign replacements and installing new parking meters. This change was part of a revised downtown parking plan announced last year, and now it’s time for the change to take shape. The first quarter of 2025 will see the new parking framework start to unfold.

Going Digital with ParkMobile

Excitingly, Knoxville has teamed up with ParkMobile, a well-known digital payment system that’s already in use in hundreds of cities and even parts of the University of Tennessee campus. By downloading the ParkMobile app before the changes take place, residents will be well-prepared when the revamped parking system goes live!

New Rates Are on the Way

Mark your calendars because starting March 10, 2025, parking rates are going to experience an increase. Here’s what you can expect:

Two-hour street parking rates will jump from $1.50 to $2/hour.
Four-hour maximum parking rates will rise from $0.30 to $1/hour.
The maximum parking time for certain spots will shrink from 10 hours down to just four hours.

Now, before you panic, keep in mind that on-street parking will still be free before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and even better, it’s free all day on Sunday! If you’re parked on Gay Street, you’ll get the bonus of free parking after 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

Surface Lot and Garage Updates

But wait, there’s more! Surface lot pricing will also increase gradually throughout March and April 2025. As for parking garages, they will shift to the new system later in 2025, but don’t worry. Free parking will still be available after 6 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. If you plan on parking in the Market Square Garage on a Saturday, a new $3 flat fee will make its debut from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Shift Away from Cash

Heads up, folks! On-street parking will no longer accept coins and cash, so make sure to have that smartphone ready! However, don’t fret, cash will still be accepted at the parking garages, so you have options there.

Why All the Changes?

These changes are designed to accommodate the **significant growth** of Downtown Knoxville while encouraging turnover in parking spaces. It’s all about making sure there’s a spot available for everyone who wants to enjoy the vibrant activities downtown!

The city has been hard at work on this new parking plan since 2023 and actively sought public input to ensure that the final product suits the needs of all users. With so many exciting changes on the horizon, it’s clear that Knoxville is gearing up for success in managing its ever-growing downtown area.

Keeping Up with Changes

So whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer enjoying the charms of Knoxville, these parking updates aim to simplify your experience. Downloading the ParkMobile app is definitely the first step to getting ahead of the game. Happy parking!