Raleigh Launches 2-Hour Free Parking in Downtown Decks

The City of Raleigh is excited to announce a new pilot program aimed at enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors. Beginning Friday, November 15, five select parking decks in downtown Raleigh will offer "2-hour free parking" to promote accessibility and encourage more people to explore the vibrant downtown area.

"The 2-hour Free Parking pilot is intended to incentivize increased patronage to restaurants, shops, and other businesses in downtown Raleigh, a priority focus as we look to support and enhance it's cultural and economic vitality, said Transportation Assistant Director Kenneth Ritchie. "With the pilot running from November 15 to the end of February 2025, holiday economic activity year over year will provide a measure of program impact. Additionally, and potentially more importantly, realized economic activity outside of the holiday season will provide a measure of potential year-round impact to inform long-term consideration."

At the end of the pilot period, the City will assess the impact of this change on parking availability and downtown foot traffic.

Participating Parking Decks:

• Blount Street Deck (314 Blount Street)
• City Center Deck (429 S. Wilmington Street)
• Moore Square Deck (233 S. Wilmington Street)
• Municipal Building Deck (201 W. Morgan Street)
• Wilmington Street Station Deck (117 S. Wilmington Street)

Raleigh Parking Deck Map

After the initial 2-hour free period, standard parking rates will apply. The City encourages users to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy downtown Raleigh's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

2-Hour Free Parking FAQs

What is 2 Hour Free Parking?
It's a City of Raleigh/DRA pilot program designed to attract potential customers to do business in Downtown Raleigh during weekdays.

Who is eligible to participate?
Everyone. There are no requirements.

Where is this program available?
The program is offered in five specific City of Raleigh - owned parking decks: Blount Street Deck, City Center Deck, Moore Square Deck, Municipal Building Deck, and Wilmington Street Station Deck.

How does the program work?
Enter a participating deck between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM and obtain a spitter ticket. If you exit that deck at any time up to 2 hours, no parking fees will be charged. If you park longer than 2 hours, a fee will be charged for any time exceeding the first 2 hours, at a rate of $2/hr or part, to a maximum of $14/day.

Can I park in the same deck more than once or other eligible decks within the same day and receive the first 2 hours free?
No. The benefit is good only once per day. For example, if you park in deck A, get up to the first 2 hours free, exit and reenter deck A or enter another deck the same day, you will not receive the 2 hour benefit.

Will I get the balance of any time parked less than 2 hours during the same day?
No. The benefit is good for only one entrance/exit per day regardless of time parked.

When is the program effective?
The program begins Friday, November 15 at 7:00 AM and will continue until the end of February.

Is the program honored at all downtown parking decks?
No. This program is offered only by the City of Raleigh Parking Division at the five locations identified by the $2-Hour Free icon on the parking map. The benefit is not available at any other City of Raleigh owned decks/lots or any privately owned parking facilities.

Are there any restrictions?
Parking in the Blount St. Deck is open to the public only after 7:00 AM and vehicles must exit prior to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday. Weekend public parking is not available at this location.

Does the program include on-street parking?
No. Curbside parking spaces within downtown are not included in this program.

What about special event parking?
The program is suspended where special event rates are in effect.

Where can I find ongoing information?
City of Raleigh, The Car Park and Downtown Raleigh Alliance website