Boston

Boston City Officials Propose Hike in Parking Fines to Raise Funds for Public Transportation

Boston city officials are looking to raise funds for public transportation by hiking parking fines.

According to the Boston Globe, a series of steps outlined by city administrators are part of a broad new transportation strategy that will be included in Mayor Marty Walsh’s budget request for the next fiscal year.

Authorities want to become stricter with parking violations, designate parking for taxis and rideshare services, and reserve more of the city's streets for buses and bicycles.

The Globe reports part of the plan means there would be a major increase in parking fines to both curb bad driving behavior and raise millions of dollars to fund new ideas. In some cases, fines would be more than double.

The paper reports that parking during street cleaning would rise from a $40 fine to $90. Parking at an expired meter would go from a $25 ticket to $40.

For drivers, there would be money allotted for resurfacing and improving traffic signals, which would also mean more jobs.

The Globe reports the Walsh administration wants to hire 20 people for the Transportation Department.

The proposal would have to be approved by the City Council. If it gets the green light, it will go into effect July 1.

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