Metered Parking Coming to National Mall This Summer

WASHINGTON, DC — Metered parking is coming to the National Mall this summer. Parking along the National Mall has never been easy, but at least it has been free, a perk that will end in June when parking spaces start costing $2 per hour from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily, according to a statement from the National Park Service.

NPS spokesman Mike Litterst said in the statement that the agency had awarded a contract to Parkeon USA to install parking meters on streets and parking areas on the National Mall beginning May 1, with 90 multi-space pay stations to be installed. Enforcement begins June 12.

Like other parking meters in the city, they will accept credit and debit cards, or through the Parkmobile app or website.

The metered parking will be implemented in the following areas: Constitution Avenue NW between 15th Street NW and 22nd Street NW; Independence Avenue SW between 15th Street and Maine Avenue; Jefferson Drive SW; Madison Drive NW; Ohio Drive SW between 23rd Street SW and Inlet Bridge; Parkway Drive NW; and West Basin Drive SW. Parking lots that will become metered include those at the Tidal Basin (off of Maine Avenue SW); on Buckeye Drive SW (next to the tennis courts in East Potomac Park); and Lots A, B and C on Ohio Drive SW in East Potomac Park.

NPS says the parking meter revenue will help fund the D.C. Circulator's National Mall route, which "provides affordable public bus service to 15 stops within easy walking distance of nearly 30 of the city’s most popular monuments, memorials and museums" for a dollar per ride.

Image via NPS