Workers frustrated with South Congress paid parking

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In March, the Austin City Council approved a measure that would convert over 100 parking spaces on and near South Congress into paid spots. More recently, new paid parking signs have popped up as a result, and it's a change that has frustrated some workers.

Isabell Quinn, a server at restaurant Two Hands on South Congress, is displeased with the current parking situation. Two Hands doesn't provide parking permits to Quinn and her coworkers, so they have had to resort parking further from their workplace for free parking.

"Now it can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes to find (free) parking—let alone walk from that spot to your place of work," Quinn said.

The cost of parking is dependent on how long you park for and where you park. If you were to park in new paid street parking spots for 10 hours in day, you would pay around $40 according to the Park ATX app.

There are other places on South Congress that have even higher rates, such as the Music Lane Garage, which charges $60 for 8-12 hours of parking.

"In Austin, you make less hourly—not including tips—than what you would have to pay for parking that day," Quinn said. "When you calculate those costs—like per month—it's crazy."

Jillian Dodson, another server at Two Hands, said she has reconsidered working on South Congress with the inconveniences.

"I love my job—this is my favorite job that I've ever had," Dodson said. "Having to park in these conditions—having the struggle getting to work—is starting to a point where it's not as enjoyable."

In response to these complaints, the Austin Public and Transportation and Public Works put out a statement:

Parking on or near South Congress best serves short-term visitor parking, and the paid parking update has resulted in better availability for people visiting the area. The City is working with merchants to address employee parking concerns, if there is not a sufficient off-street option in the area. Many of the merchants in the area have access to off-street parking facilities that can help accommodate employee parking needs. TPW will continue to work with merchants and stakeholders to address employee parking concerns, including the potential for affordable parking options similar to what is available to downtown service industry workers.

Austin Transportation and Public Works

Dodson feels more still needs to be done to accommodate workers on South Congress.

"We're bringing in money to the street. We're bringing in foot traffic," Dodson said. "I feel like we should be looked out for."