ABSTRACT
Few transportation policies have been more controversial in Mexico City than ecoParq, which is the city's name for Parking Benefit Districts (PBDs) where the city charges for on-street parking and uses the revenue to improve local public space. In 2011, the government of Mexico City explored the concept of Parking Benefit Districts (PBDs) with the understanding that a different strategy was needed to produce the desired results. The collective benefits of PBDs have proved to be bigger than the individual benefits of free parking. In addition to reducing congestion and emissions, PBDs generate more than $16 million annually for public space improvements, which translates into benefits for the majority of the population and not only motorists. Money collection should be centralized in a trust account, instead of going to a general government account, to pay the legitimate recipients for intended uses. This will increase transparency and public confidence, and will also reduce implementation risks and complaints.
