Paid Parking Begins at Richmond Parkway Transit Center

News Articles
03/27/2006

Commuters using the Richmond Parkway Transit Center (RPTC) will now have to pay $3 a day to park their cars there. The parking fees were instituted to pay for the cost of onsite security guards and 24-hour security surveilance.

Over the past few years, AC Transit has received an increasing number of rider complaints on vandalism, break-ins and even stolen cars at the RPTC lot. Caltrans and CHP, who have justidiction for the area, were unable to provide the level of security needed address the problem. So AC Transit, WestCat and the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee formed a partnership to create a solution.

Now riders and their cars will be protected by security guards on duty every weekday from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm. Security cameras linked to the Contra Costa Sherrif’s department will also be in place, adding an additional layer of protection.

Riders must now use the two parking ticket machines installed on the bus island to record their parking space number and pay the $3 fee. The machines accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards. They also print receipts and make change. All proceeds from the parking fees go directly to pay the actual security expenses. By law none of the agencies can make a profit from the rider-paid fees.

Free parking will still be available at the Hilltop Park and Ride, but there will be no security measures in place. For more background on the RPTC security and the future plans to increase parking capacity there, please read this article.