Pittsburgh business owners hope discounted parking garage rates will lure customers to downtown

PITTSBURGH — Some Pittsburgh parking garages are now offering discounted rates, as low as $3, with the hope of luring people back downtown.

“Offices are closed and people work from home. It means we don’t get any lunch business,” said Martina Hanoglu with Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine.

Meanwhile, just a block away is Gaucho.

“At 50%, business is doing rather well,” said Don Doherty. “Downtown has been quiet these past few months.”

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership joined with Alco Parking to offer the $3 flat rate at a handful of garages. During the day, the usual $15 for parking at the 350 Oliver Avenue Garage will be just $3 for the first three hours. It’ll be the same after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend. Garages at Market Square, the convention center, Theater Square, 11 Stanwix and the Town Place Garages will all have the same fees.

“If the parking garage is reduced that cuts lots of cost if you want to go for a nice dinner or something right? It’s a difference when you have to $10 or $3,” Hanoglu said.

Alco’s president said the garages have seen a 60-80% drop off since the pandemic began.

“I’m definitely a person who will drive around and look for cheaper rates but if the city will take that initiative and make it more affordable for people to come down, I can see people taking advantage of that,” Robert Marty told Channel 11 during his commute.

This price will only be in place until the end of November, however.

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Cox Media Group