Council mulls C-Train parking changes

The rules for reserved parking at C-Train stations need to be more flexible, some Calgary aldermen say.

Under the current system, which was instituted in April, commuters can reserve a spot for $70 a month, with up to half the spaces at each lot set aside for reserved parking.

But a committee of aldermen voted Wednesday to explore changes that would allow for different rates, vary the number of reserved spots in each lot and provide a daily parking rate for those who don't use the train every day but want a reserved space on a particular day.

Such changes would "require a heightened level of enforcement and more signage and ability to communicate with customers exactly what the rules are at any given point in time or location," Calgary Transit spokesman Neil McKendrick told CBC News. "Having said that, I mean, it's all quite doable."

However, Ald. Shane Keating said variable rates might be too confusing for commuters to follow.

"For example … changing the time in which reserved parking comes free: If you go to the end of the line and it's 10 o'clock, and it's full so I'll go to the next one," he said. "All of a sudden, that one's 11 o'clock and you can't get in so you go to the next one and it's 12 o'clock.  You can't do those sorts of things."

Mayor Naheed Nenshi also spoke against varying the rules, saying the current system is understandable and working well.

The matter goes to city council next month.