ABSTRACT
Administrators do not choose the right price for curb parking; instead, the right price emerges as a result of choosing the right occupancy rate. Once the target occupancy rate is selected, the meters can be dynamic, networked, self-organizing, and always on. If cities charge the right price for curb parking, they can do away with time limits as a way to create parking turnover. Instead of voting directly on the price of curb parking, a city council can establish a target occupancy rate-such as 85 percent-and instruct the parking authority to set the right prices to achieve this average rate. Impersonal market forces, rather than individual councilmembers' votes, will determine the right price of curb parking. If cities charge the right price for curb parking, drivers will always be able to find a convenient place to park at their destination, without cruising.
