### Parking Meter Rates in Tijuana Set to Double in 2025
Beginning January 1st, 2025, parking meter rates on public streets in Tijuana are set to double for the first hour, as outlined in the city’s upcoming Income Law proposal. This proposal, submitted to the Baja California Congress, will see the initial hour rate jump from 10 pesos to 20 pesos, while subsequent hours will remain at five pesos.
The Tijuana municipal government is also suggesting a change in how rates are determined, proposing that they be linked to the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). This would abolish a fixed rate and potentially lead to increases every year.
The increased rates are justified by municipal treasurer, Victor Alfonso Ramos Gómez, who argued that the current revenue from the parking meters is insufficient for maintaining their operation. The private parking lots in the vicinity reportedly charge about 35 pesos per hour, meaning the new adjusted rate is still competitively low.
Despite this, residents like Gustavo Montes, who uses street parking near his workplace several times a week, express concern about the hike equating street parking costs to those in designated parking lots, necessitating a choice between safety and affordability.
Criticism has also been voiced by Councilwoman Sandra Magaña Ríos. She argues that enhancing security for parked vehicles should accompany any rate hike, citing concerns over vehicle thefts. Ríos also suggests the introduction of insurance for those paying to park in public spaces, akin to what is demanded from private parking facilities.
This comes amid a backdrop of dissatisfaction with parking meter services, as users face issues like dysfunctional machines and limited payment options.
Another layer to the story is the impending expiration of Tijuana’s parking meter concession agreement with COPEMSA Tijuana S.A. de C.V., which began in mid-2019 and is set to end in December 2026. Modifications to this contract have been made in the past, shortening its duration and reducing original rates. Speculations abound regarding the future of this agreement as its expiration approaches.
### Related Updates on Parking Situations in Tijuana
#### Push for Parking Meter Removal in Tecate Central Zone
As Tijuana adjusts its parking meter policies, neighboring Tecate is reconsidering the presence of parking meters in its central zone. This ongoing debate reflects a broader regional reassessment of public parking strategies.
#### Shortage of Loading Zones in Tijuana
The city faces challenges beyond parking meters, with a noted deficiency in designated areas for trucks to load and unload goods. This shortage exacerbates congestion and impacts businesses reliant on timely deliveries.
### Upcoming Infrastructure Developments
As changes to parking policies loom, Tijuana proceeds with infrastructure projects. The Nodo Morelos project, intended to streamline traffic flow, is slated for completion by the end of the year, featuring newly installed curved girders in upcoming construction phases.
These developments highlight a broader trend of urban planning endeavors aimed at improving mobility and public service effectiveness in Tijuana and surrounding areas.
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