FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2025

Charlottesville Introduces New Parking Technology to Downtown Garages

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Beginning Tuesday, December 16, the Market Street and Water Street garages will feature a new entry system that will allow parkers to simply drive in and drive out: no tickets, no paper slips, no waiting in lines, just seamless parking.

This upgrade brings a smoother, more modern parking experience for residents and visitors.

With the new system, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy an easy experience where their vehicle becomes their parking pass. Metropolis technology will handle the rest, eliminating wait times and equipment failures.

These changes are due to aging equipment as well as addressing chronic issues at the garages (e.g. malfunctioning machines, payment kiosks and exit delays); it also signals a shift toward removing traditional hardware and adopting a more modern system.

The first hour at both garages will continue to be free and hourly parking rates remain unchanged. Participating local businesses may continue to validate customer parking using the new system.

Drivers are encouraged to learn how the system works and create their account before visiting downtown. 

Please visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/parking to learn more.

Media Contact
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications and Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3111
schneidera@charlottesville.gov