Proposed Bethesda Parking Fee Hikes Head to Council

A to raise long-term parking rates in downtown Bethesda and charge parkers on Saturdays in Bethesda lots and garages will go before the Montgomery County Council for a public hearing Tuesday evening.

The proposal, set forth by County Executive Isiah Leggett as a part of his recommended operating budget, would increase long-term parking rates in Bethesda's lots and garages – rates charged after the first three hours – from 65 cents to 75 cents an hour. Parking for the first three hours would remain $1 an hour. Parkers in county lots and garages in downtown Bethesda would also be charged from 7a.m. to 10p.m. Monday through Saturday – currently, parking is free on the weekends in lots and garages.

Monthly parking passes would also be bumped up from $120 to $140, and daily parking permits and carpool permits would increase. Leggett is also proposing parking fee hikes in Silver Spring.

Three public hearings will begin before the council at 7:30p.m. Tuesday to discuss proposals including increasing the cost of a monthly RideOn bus pass from $30 to $45, raising the long-term parking rates in Bethesda and Silver Spring, and charging parkers on Saturdays in downtown Bethesda.

Many residents and members of the business community have come out against the proposal, arguing that it would make for an additional hardship for Bethesda parkers.

The proposals will head next to a council committee before the full council votes in May.

The public hearings will begin at 7:30p.m. in the council hearing room at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. To testify, call 240-777-7803.