Hundreds Pledge to March Against Paid Parking at RTC This Weekend

RESTON, VA — Hundreds of people say they're going to participate in a march against paid parking at Reston Town Center this Saturday.

As of Tuesday morning, a total of 363 people indicated on the "Park Free RTC (Protest)" Facebook page that they were going. And more than double that -- 852 people -- said they were interested.

The march is set to take place on Saturday, March 4 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at 11900 Market Street in Reston Town Center. Marchers are angry about RTC manager Boston Properties' decision to charge for parking and about privacy concerns with the ParkRTC app, although BP insists that it is completely safe.

"The paid parking has drastically affected the patrons and local merchants who have help make this Town Center what it is today," the Facebook page states. "Patrons are frustrated with the cost of the parking as well as how it has been implemented. No longer is it an option to quickly pick up takeout from a restaurant or coffee at Starbucks.

"Downloading an app on your smart phone is the easiest way to pay for a parking session, but there are many people who do not have smart phones or who are not tech-savvy enough to download the app to properly set up the account," it continues. "Cash options are sparse and not user friendly. Parking is free in the garages on the weekends, but free on the streets only on Sundays."

Organizers say that many patrons are choosing to go elsewhere where parking is free, and they are worried RTC will turn into a "ghost town."

Marchers will head down a route provided by the Fairfax County Police. Organizers are urging participants to be peaceful.

Image: Patch staff