Driving Will Be More Expensive in 2012
By aaroncynic in News on Dec 30, 2011 5:00PM
Driving and parking in the Chicagoland area will become even more expensive in the new year. Crain’s reports Chicago Parking Meters LLC will begin one of three annual increases in parking meter costs on Sunday. Meter rates in the loop will increase to $5 an hour from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and $2.50 per hour from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Outside the loop, rates will increase between .25 to .50 cents an hour. NBC has some suggestions on routes you can take to avoid tolls.
In addition to major parking increases in Chicago, drivers along the Illinois Tollway will pay at least .35 cents more if they’re using an I-PASS at plazas. Drivers using cash will pay double. WBEZ reports the money will go to fund a road work program expected to take 15 years to complete.
Finally, car owners will see a variety of other increases in the coming year, according to The Expired Meter. Chicago city sticker fees will increase $10, the city will charge $2 per day for those parking at lots and garages and some other driving related fines will increase.