City to offer free 15-minute parking

The Austin Transportation Department is unlocking downtown meters for pickup and drop-off of food and other goods. Beginning June 8, new “food priority zones” will get up to two free 15-minute parking sessions that people can access by using the codes FREE15ATX1 or FREE15ATX2 on the ParkATX app. According to a June 3 memo, everyone gets two 15-minute sessions every 24 hours “to incentivize efficient system use.” In addition, the city is working to expand affordable downtown off-street parking options as part of its affordable parking program, with $5 parking at the convention center and other options.