Patrons of the Kent Square parking garage downtown will have to get used to a new automated system, as well as increased rates.
The garage had previously employed attendants until 11:30 p.m., but a new automated payment system operates 24/7.
Before the change, patrons could potentially park for free if they left the garage after 11:30 p.m. Under the new system, automated payment requires patrons to pay any time they exit the garage.
“It’s a way not to lose revenue as far as downtimes,” said Kevin Wench, area manager of Park Inc. “There was a lot of misuse, and an automated system will help crack down on that.”
Park Inc., is the company that has managed the Kent Square garage for more than two years, according to Bob Pack of Pointe West Management, one of the partners that owns Kent Square.
These partners include Park Inc., Pointe West Management and others.
“It was set to an automated system on Aug. 24,” Wench said. “Park Inc., had the experience with that type of equipment, but the change was made as a mutual agreement between the partners that manage Kent Square.”
Several employees who had been attendants at the garage were laid off or received reduced hours because of the change.
“Those jobs were cut down to temporary hire,” Wench said. “That’s the downside to automated systems — you have to cut down on some employees.”
However, there will still be at least one person at the garage to handle problems.
“There’s usually one attendant to help out in case someone doesn’t know how to use the automated system,” Pack said.
In addition, hourly and daily rates have increased.
Previously, the daily rate for two and a half hours or more was a maximum of $3, which was also the daily rate for weekends or special event days, according to Stephanie Pascoe, manager at the Kent Square parking garage.
The maximum daily rate is now $4 and $5 on weekends with special event days.
The rate changes were also made as a decision between the partners that manage Kent Square.