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As Los Angeles moves further and further towards a public transportation haven, Metro has taken steps to regulate its parking at two Red Line stations in the San Fernando Valley, according to the LA Times. The free parking options there have meant too many non-Metro riders have been parking in the lots, making it more difficult for commuters to find a place to park. Metro plans to start charging $3 per day to park in the lots at the North Hollywood and Universal City Red Line stations, with a $53 ticket for those who don't pay.
Parking is a crucial element of public transportation access in L.A. County. The sprawl means many people don't live within walking distance to a major transportation hub. Park and ride options allow Metro to cast a wider net for riders, but the number of non-commuters using the SFV Red Line parking lots has rendered the resource ineffective.
Metro riders will be able to pay via an app or pay kiosks at each lot. In a post to Metro's blog The Source, Steve Hymon affirms the fees are not to profit Metro but rather "to manage demand and create more parking for those who actually use transit." The paid parking will begin on April 24, and Metro encourages riders to leave extra time in the morning to navigate the new system once it's in place.
