Suggestions for resolving the problems include dynamic pricing — a system where meter rates increase during periods of peak demand — to increase turnaround times for metered spaces and encourage visitors to park in areas farther from the main shopping districts on Penn Avenue and Smallman Street.

Jimmy Sunseri, an owner of Jimmy and Nino’s specialty foods on Penn Avenue, said his business is down by about 25% because of the parking situation. He said an increase in parking rates through dynamic pricing would scare off more business…

Carnegie Mellon University tested a dynamic pricing system in 400 spaces around its Oakland campus several years ago and found that it triggered greater availability while generating more revenue. Pittsburgh City Council in 2014 authorized the Parking Authority to establish dynamic pricing in Downtown and a dozen other neighborhoods — including the Strip — but the system has yet to be launched.
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