It’s well known that New York City is one of the most populous cities in the world, with about 29,000 people per square mile. As such, it makes sense that the high level of congestion leads to parking challenges. Journey from 1935 until today, with these interesting and surprising facts about parking! Fun Facts about Meters On July 16, 1935, in Oklahoma City, the very first parking meter was installed on First Street and Robinson Avenue, charging a nickel per hour and revolutionizing parking. The last New York City mechanical parking meter, an object of frustration for motorists since 1951, was withdrawn from service in Coney Island in December 2006. Today, New York’s parking meter machines have come a long way—meters utilize wireless signal and solar panels at the top to enhance reliability and sustainability.   Fun Facts about Drivers and Driving In New York, prior to 2020, almost 2 million people travel by motor vehicle through the southern half of Manhattan each weekday. In New York City, drivers spend about 107 hours per year looking for parking, according to a recent report. The searches add up to approximately $2,243 in wasted time, fuel, and emissions per driver. According to 2018 census, almost 1.4

Are you heading out for a winter drive? Whether you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall or experience occasional cold snaps, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected when you’re on the road during the winter months. A well-stocked winter car emergency kit can differentiate between a minor inconvenience and a potentially severe, life-threatening situation.  We’ve listed a few necessary items for your winter car kit, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any challenges Mother Nature presents. Essentials for Your Winter Car Kit Cell Phone and Power Sources: Before hitting the road, ensure your phone is fully charged, and carry a spare charger and rechargeable battery pack in your emergency kit. In an emergency, your phone is your lifeline. Cold-Weather Gear: Being stranded in the cold without adequate clothing can be dangerous. Here’s what you should have on hand: An insulated winter weather coat that’s waterproof and rated for temperatures below your region’s average lowest temperature. Waterproof winter gloves. A knit cap or beanie to prevent heat loss. Extra socks in case your feet get wet. Sturdy, insulated winter boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Emergency Thermal Blankets: These lightweight, moisture-resistant blankets can provide extra warmth during

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of family gatherings, festive decorations, and delicious food. However, for many, it also brings the dreaded holiday travel chaos. Crowded airports, long security lines, and potential flight delays can turn a joyful journey into a stressful experience. But fear not; we’ve gathered a comprehensive list of airport hacks to help you quickly navigate the holiday travel madness. Flight Booking Strategies Take the Earlier Flight: The data is precise – the earlier you depart, the lower your chances of delays. Booking the earliest flight or changing to an earlier one can significantly improve your odds of arriving on time. Avoid Connections: While it might seem more cost-effective, connecting flights can double your chances of something going wrong. Opt for non-stop flights whenever possible. Monitor Your Reservation & Airline: Watch your flight closely for last-minute changes or delays. Utilize apps like Flighty or FlightAware to track your flight’s status. Also, stay informed about your airline’s performance in the days leading up to your trip to anticipate potential issues. Contact Your Airline: In case of delays or cancellations, rely on something other than in-person assistance at the airport. Call the airline’s customer

Winter brings its own set of challenges for car owners. From icy roads to freezing temperatures, preparing your vehicle to ensure safety and reliability is crucial. Here’s a guide on how to care for your car during winter. Tire Maintenance Check Your Tire Tread: Inspect your tires for tread wear using the “Penny Test.” If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head on the penny when inserted into the tread, it’s time for new tires. Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure is a hazard in winter conditions. Regularly check and adjust the pressure. Consider Snow Tires: Snow tires can provide better traction in areas with heavy snow. Remember, they can reduce fuel efficiency, so use them only in harsh winter months. Winter Tires for Extreme Conditions: Dedicated winter tires on steel wheels are recommended for their particular tread patterns and rubber compounds for snowy and icy conditions. Monitor Tire Pressure: Tire pressure drops with the temperature. Regular checks are essential to avoid underinflation.   Check essential fluids Oil and Antifreeze Change: Switch to a multi-viscosity oil with a “W” in the index, suitable for winter. Ensure your radiator’s antifreeze and water mixture are appropriate for freezing temperatures. Check for Leaks

In New York City, street parking (and overnight parking in particular) hasn’t always been as common as it is today – in fact, NYC used to be geared more towards movement and pedestrians. Bans on permanent parking were in effect as early as the 1800s, and today, it is still illegal to park a car in the same spot for more than seven days in a row.  Through the years, regulations became more car-oriented and by the 1930s, drivers were permitted to park for up to one hour, and three hours after midnight. Overnight parking still wasn’t allowed, as streets were designed for transportation – sidewalks were wider, pedestrian routes were the focus, and most streets were wide enough to have large, planted areas. The Case Against Overnight Parking In the mid-1900s, there were few defenders of overnight parking. Police argued that it encouraged loitering and theft. Fire departments complained that hydrants were often blocked. Business owners remarked that it slowed traffic. It also made the streets harder to clean. Through the years, however the city’s population grew, and parking demands increased. Not to mention, garages were not as common as they are today, so street parking was the primary solution.

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) will launch a Pay-By-App Only Pilot program on August 28th, 2023 on 6th Avenue between 14th Street and 23rd Street. The pilot leverages the new ParkNYC app, which provides an enhanced platform for app-based parking payment. The redesigned ParkNYC app features an improved user experience and new and expanded user-friendly options, including both an e-Wallet and pay-per-transaction capabilities, as well as fleet management tools.  The program will evaluate a “meterless” or Pay-by-App Only approach to payment in this area and is representative of the DOT’s commitment to innovative and new curb management strategies. As part of this pilot, commercial vehicles parking along this portion of 6th Avenue will be required to pay using the ParkNYC mobile parking payment app as all physical meters will be removed from 11 blockfaces. Unique signage will be posted notifying commercial vehicles of the Pay-By-App Only spaces. What you need to know:   Individuals must pay for regulated parking using the ParkNYC app, NYC’s mobile app for metered parking payment. A pay-by-phone option will be available. Those wishing to pay by phone must first register on ParkNYCapp.com. After registering, call 800-428-4027 to pay by phone.   Motorists who prefer