By José Antonio Pérez
New parking meters in the malecón are meant to facilitate traffic through the Old Port and instill order, reports Municipal Secretary Terencio Gutiérrez Valenzuela. The 166 parking meters, installed along the Malecón Fundadores as well as Ave. Circunvalación, Primero de Junio, Zaragoza, Ulloa, and Alcántar, charge 17 pesos per hour. 20% of these proceeds will go toward programs of the Municipal DIF.
CPR Soluciones SA de CV has been granted a ten-year concession for the parking meters, which stems from City Council authorization in 2018 and a tendering process. The company will be responsible for managing the parking meters, along with preventive and corrective maintenance. City transit officers will also be making rounds to ensure maintenance of the meters.
The City Secretary explained the parking meters will begin operations in February, once all details are complete, and in accordance with the improvement plan for the area itself. He stressed this step forms part of the administration’s larger program to revive public spaces.
According to a city press release, the parking meters in the Old Port will operate from Monday – Thursday 9 am – 10 pm, and Friday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m. Machines receive only coins, at 17 pesos per hour.
