Boston Common Garage is set to raise rates

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority said today that its board of directors has voted to increase daily and monthly parking rates at the Boston Common Garage for the first time in three years.

The garage, which is operated by the authority, has been charging $6 for up to one hour of parking; the new rate, set to go into effect March 1, is $8 for up to one hour of parking, said the authority, which added that the monthly rate for 24-hour access to the garage will increase on March 1 from $340 to $360.

Rates were last raised in February 2005, and the new structure will keep Common Garage rates below the prices currently charged in the Boston parking garage market by an average of 23.5 percent, according to the authority.

“After three years, it became necessary to raise the Boston Common Garage rates by a slight amount in order continue upkeep and security of the garage," James E. Rooney, executive director of the authority, said in a statement. "Even with the new rates, this is the best parking deal in town.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)