Train trips to the city are often preceded by a frantic search for a parking space. Whether it’s the 6:46, 7:46 or 9:10, the concerns are the same. With a minimal amount of advance planning and study, travelers will achieve a reduced stress level.
For occasional trips to the city, there are several parking options. For those with resident meter permits, there are many spaces available in the lot on the right when entering the station. There are also some spots in the area closest to Dunkin’ Donuts which do not require a permit. After taking note of the number posted at the spot, payment is required at the machines to the left of the taxi stand. Payment is required from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekdays.
Bonnie Gartner had secured a parking space and was waiting patiently for an off-peak train before heading to the city for a dentist appointment. She mentioned that she “had heard there was another spot in the back where [she] could park.” The option she was referring to is the new innovative plan championed by Town Clerk Jill Shapiro. In addition to parking in the numbered stalls, train travelers are now also allowed to park in any available spot in Lot B – the large lot on the left accessed via Woodburn Avenue after 9 a.m. Payment is accepted at the machines after entering the license plate number.
According to Shapiro, the new procedure replaces the former “do not ticket orders” which were issued for frantic train travelers who were rushing to catch a train for an appointment in the city and couldn’t find a spot. This new choice also evolved from an analysis of trends in the issuance of permits. “People commute differently now,” Shapiro observed. “We noticed a slight downturn in the number of annual permits issued and a slight uptick in metered permits. It’s more and more common that people only commute a few days a week,” she continued.