The High Cost of Free Parking: Uncover the Hidden Costs & Reap the Benefits of Smart Parking

The High Cost of Free Parking is a must-have resource for anyone interested in the economics and public policy of parking. Written by internationally renowned urban planner Donald Shoup, this updated edition of the classic book provides an insightful and comprehensive overview of how parking affects our cities, our wallets, and our environment. From the economic impact of free parking to the cost of traffic congestion, it’s all here—in clear, concise language that’s easy to understand. With its up-to-date data and insightful analysis, The High Cost of Free Parking is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the often overlooked but critical role that parking plays in our lives.

The High Cost of Free Parking Review

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The High Cost of Free Parking, Updated Edition by Donald Shoup is a must-have book for anyone interested in how parking policies affect our cities. This updated edition presents the latest research on parking that has been conducted since the first edition was published in 2005. It’s packed with findings from around the world and offers numerous recommendations to reduce parking problems and improve urban life.

Key Features:
1. Explains why free parking is so expensive
2. Discusses how to charge fair prices for curb parking
3. Proposes ways to manage parking revenue
4. Describes how parking reform can make cities more livable
5. Reviews experiences with congestion pricing and other reforms
6. Suggests actions that citizens can take

This updated edition of The High Cost of Free Parking gives readers a comprehensive overview of modern-day parking issues and provides detailed advice on how to manage them better in urban areas. Donald Shoup, an internationally renowned expert in transportation and land use planning, draws on his decades of experience in the field to explain why free parking is so costly, what it costs us, and how we can make better choices about it. He also outlines practical solutions for charging fair prices for curb parking, managing parking revenues, reforming traffic regulations, employing congestion pricing, and improving public transit systems — all with the aim of making cities more livable. In addition, Shoup suggests specific actions that citizens can take if they want to help implement these ideas at the local level.

Product Details

Product Details
The High Cost of Free Parking Updated Edition
By Donald Shoup
Published by Planners Press (May 30, 2017)
Paperback: 480 pages
“ISBN-10: 193236496X”
“ISBN-13: 978-1932364969”
“Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.9 x 10.6 inches”
“Weight: 2 pounds”

The High Cost of Free Parking Pros and Cons

1. Pros
The High Cost of Free Parking provides a comprehensive overview of the costs and benefits associated with parking policy decisions. This book delves into the economics of parking, examines how parking affects urban design and development, and offers solutions to the many problems that arise from inadequate or improper parking policies. It is an important resource for city planners, transportation professionals, urban designers, developers, and anyone with an interest in smart parking policy.

2. Cons
Despite its comprehensive coverage, The High Cost of Free Parking does have some drawbacks. It does not address public transit options or active transportation infrastructure such as bike lanes or pedestrian paths. Additionally, it may be too technical for those without a background in economics or urban planning. Finally, the book’s focus on North American cities means that the information presented may not be applicable to other parts of the world.

Who are They for

The High Cost of Free Parking by Donald Shoup is an updated, comprehensive look at how free parking affects our cities and neighborhoods. The book examines how free parking influences land use, transportation, public finance, economic development, and environmental quality. It also reveals how excessive off-street parking requirements have spread across the United States, making housing more expensive, traffic congestion worse, and cities less livable.

Free parking has become a norm in many cities around the world. In this book, Professor Shoup argues that it imposes a huge hidden cost to society; from gridlocked streets to strained budgets and greater inequality. He proposes solutions such as pricing curb spaces to better manage demand for scarce parking resources and reducing off-street parking requirements that increase construction costs for developers and renters. Moreover, he suggests strategies such as dedicating part of the revenue from on-street parking to fund public services in nearby neighborhoods or reducing minimum parking requirements for developments near transit stations.

The High Cost of Free Parking is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in urban planning and transportation policy. The book provides a thorough analysis of the issues surrounding free parking and offers innovative solutions to creating more vibrant city centers without sacrificing convenience or affordability.

My Experience for The High Cost of Free Parking

Lloyd Kaufman

It all started when I decided to do something about the high cost of free parking. After much research, I finally settled on The High Cost of Free Parking by Donald Shoup.

At first, I was skeptical that such a book could help me with my problem. But as soon as I opened it up and began reading, I realized how wrong I was! This book gave me an in-depth understanding of the economics behind parking policies and systems. It provided detailed analysis of how different cities have approached their parking issues. And most importantly, it gave me practical advice for reforming parking policies so that it would be more affordable for everyone involved.

The High Cost of Free Parking was incredibly easy to read and understand. The authors included clear examples and diagrams to make their points more accessible. And by the time I finished reading the book, I had a much better understanding of why parking is so expensive and what can be done to reduce costs.

Since then, I have been recommending The High Cost of Free Parking to anyone who needs help with understanding parking issues. It’s an invaluable resource for people who are looking for ways to save money on parking or want to learn more about the economics behind the industry.

 

What I don’t Like

1. High Price: The High Cost of Free Parking is relatively expensive compared to other books on the same topic, at $44.95.

2. Limited Scope: This book focuses mainly on parking issues in the United States, though it does include some international case studies.

3. Unfamiliar Terminology: Many of the terms and concepts used in this book may be unfamiliar to readers without a background in transportation planning or urban design.

4. Outdated Information: The High Cost of Free Parking was originally published in 2005 and only recently updated; some of the information may not be relevant anymore.

How to Manage the High Cost of Free Parking

With the cost of parking rapidly increasing, it can be a challenge for drivers to find an affordable and convenient place to park. The book The High Cost of Free Parking, written by Donald C. Shoup, provides an in-depth look at this problem, offering valuable insight into how to manage the rising cost of parking.

One way to tackle the high cost of free parking is through smart pricing strategies. By charging different rates for different times of day or areas, you can incentivize people to park outside of peak hours or in less congested areas. This will help reduce traffic congestion and make more spaces available during peak hours. It also encourages people to carpool or take public transit, which can further reduce traffic congestion.

Another way to address the high cost of free parking is by providing alternative transportation options. Supporting bike lanes and other forms of public transportation can help reduce the demand for parking and make more spaces available for those who need them. Providing subsidies for alternative transportation options can also make it more affordable for people to get around without needing a car.

Finally, investing in parking management technologies can go a long way towards making parking more efficient and affordable. Technologies such as smart meters, dynamic pricing systems, and mobile apps can all help better manage the availability and cost of parking spaces in any given area.

By using these strategies, drivers will have access to more affordable and convenient places to park without breaking their budget. The book The High Cost of Free Parking, provides invaluable insight into how to manage this important issue so that everyone can benefit from improved access and affordability when it comes to parking their vehicles.

Questions about The High Cost of Free Parking

 

What is the High Cost of Free Parking?

The High Cost of Free Parking is a comprehensive guide to the economic costs, benefits and strategies associated with parking policy. The book provides an understanding of how free parking affects our cities, our environment, and our economy.

What does this book cover?

The High Cost of Free Parking covers a wide range of topics from the basics of urban parking policy to the economics of parking supply, parking pricing policies, and strategic management solutions. It also includes case studies from around the world and provides guidance on developing effective parking policies.

Who should read this book?

This book is written for both public sector professionals responsible for managing urban parking policy, as well as private sector businesses interested in learning more about the impact of parking on their operations. It is also suitable for students, academics, and anyone else interested in learning more about the economic implications of urban parking policy.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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