Quite the surprise at the parking garage...

[mjr]

Ok, I work downtown in a major U.S. City. Two buildings over is a parking garage. Well, it costs money to park there.

Up until this morning, it was $5/day to park (and no, the company I work for doesn't foot the bill for this, it comes out of my own pocket).

Anyway, I get there, and pull in, and on the ticket-dispensing machine was a sign that stated "New Daily Rate $12".

Yes, you read that right. Yesterday it was $5. Today it was $12. A 140% increase.

Fortunately, when I got there they hadn't changed the price yet, so I got to park today for $5, because I paid for it about 2 minutes before they changed the prices.

Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow, but I heard that there is a garage nearby that is $3/day.

[Tama]

I imagine that that garage will now get a shitload of business.

And I also imagine that there will be a shitload more carpooling.

[mjr]

I imagine that that garage will now get a shitload of business.

People will still probably park there. I'm going to avoid it if at all possible.

And I also imagine that there will be a shitload more carpooling.

Well, I know that a lot of people that I work with take public transportation. I don't live in an area serviced by public transportation, and the nearest station to me is such that I might as well drive in anyway.

I'm just going to have to try to find a cheaper lot.

[Tama]

I meant the $3/day lot by the way. Not the LETS DOUBLE people. If the $3/day is really $3/day.

[EricKei]

I'd say check with the IRS website -- certain mileage/fuel costs are at least tax-deductible, maybe parking fees that are, in essence, a mandatory requirement your job are too? They do have an "Ask us" form for that purpose, iirc -- and the sooner you send in an inquiry (before April), the sooner it will likely be answered...Of course, if the answer is "yes", you can file amended returns going three years back

[taxguykarl]

I'd say check with the IRS website -- certain mileage/fuel costs are at least tax-deductible, maybe parking fees that are, in essence, a mandatory requirement your job are too?

Correct, Eric.
Line 2, Form 2106..
Daily commuting to a fixed location is not, sorry.

[EricKei]

karl -- I thought general mileage for commutes to/from work was deductible if it was above a certain number of miles per day; is it not?

[Aethian]

Karl, have I said lately that I love having you on the board?

[drjonah]

Is there some kind of major event happening in your town? When I lived in Milwaukee, parking garages LOVED to magically raise their rates right around the time a big event happens and there would be a high demand for parking

[protege]

On game day here in Pittsburgh, you can find parking anywhere from $20 to well over $50 That's why, unless I have a pass for a lot over near Heinz, I refuse to pay those rates. Instead, I'll park out in the 'burbs (which is free!), and take the T down there for $3.50

[mjr]

Is there some kind of major event happening in your town?

Not that I'm aware of.

I did, however, find a lot nearby that has a deal where if you park there before 8:30 AM, and leave after 2 PM, it's $3.

It's a couple of blocks further than the $12 one, but I'm willing to walk the extra distance to save the $9. Plus, there are "catwalks" or "sky walks" that I can use to avoid inclement/cold weather.

[mjr]

On game day here in Pittsburgh, you can find parking anywhere from $20 to well over $50 That's why, unless I have a pass for a lot over near Heinz, I refuse to pay those rates. Instead, I'll park out in the 'burbs (which is free!), and take the T down there for $3.50

There was a big thing made about the pricing for parking when the new stadium for the Cowboys (now AT&T Stadium) was built.

Someone in the sports media asked Jerry Jones why he charged $50 per car for parking right next to the stadium.

His response? "Because I can."

[ADeMartino]

I imagine that that garage will now get a shitload of business.

And I also imagine that there will be a shitload more carpooling.

It also means that the garage that's $3 a day will also raise its rates. Perhaps not to $12 a day, but there will be a significant jump. Assuming the rate hike is permanent at the first place, because that does sound an awful lot like an 'event' rate.

[protege]

His response? "Because I can."

It's the same here. Nearly all of the lots and garages inside the city limits are owned (or controlled) by the parking authority. No wonder that some of us call the authority the "parking cartel" But, even some of the private lots do it--many 9-5 businesses will staff their lots on Game Day, and charge similar (or even higher) rates depending on how close they are to the stadiums. It's all about supply and demand, but some people simply get greedy.

[taxguykarl]

karl -- I thought general mileage for commutes to/from work was deductible if it was above a certain number of miles per day; is it not?

Commuting to a fixed location is not, regardless of the mileage; however, if you travel to different sites you can claim mileage, tolls and parking.