Taos Suspends Parking Fees for October 2024: What You Need to Know

Great news for both locals and visitors! The Town of Taos has temporarily paused parking fees for the entire month of October. This decision comes as a part of an effort to support local businesses that are feeling the effects of ongoing highway construction.

The Taos Town Council approved the suspension of the parking system during a recent council meeting, giving the green light to Town Manager Lupe Martinez to put a pause on all pay-to-park operations until October 31, 2024. This means that parking kiosks in town will display a welcoming message, and the mobile app will show a $0.00 charge for parking throughout the month.

Why the Pause?

Since the pay-to-park system was introduced in June, it’s been in a testing phase, allowing the town to work out any kinks and collect feedback from local businesses. In just four months, the system generated over $97,000, which has helped eliminate taxpayer subsidies for leased parking lots and improve downtown infrastructure. But with construction projects causing disruptions for businesses, the town decided it was time to hit pause and give everyone a bit of relief.

What to Expect in October

During October, all parking meters and kiosks will be inactive, and no parking fees will be enforced in public lots. This includes the Loretto parking lot, Dunne Shops lot, Couse Pasture lot, and McCarthy Plaza lot. The town will also suspend time limits for parking in these areas—though certain restrictions, like ADA parking and overnight parking rules, will still apply. And if you’ve already purchased a parking permit, don’t worry—credits will be issued for next month.

What’s Next?

The future of the pay-to-park system will be discussed at the Town Council Workshop on October 21, 2024. Town staff will present the latest data on the parking system’s performance, including costs, revenue, and potential improvements. If you’re interested in learning more, the town will provide access to the full press release, which you can check out here.

For now, though, enjoy free parking in Taos for the entire month of October! This is the perfect opportunity to explore the historic downtown area, shop local, and support the many small businesses that call Taos home.

SEO Title: Free Parking in Taos for October
SEO Description: The Town of Taos has paused parking fees for October to support local businesses. Learn more about free parking and upcoming changes to the pay-to-park system!
Excerpt: Taos suspends parking fees for October! Enjoy free parking downtown while supporting local businesses during construction.