Say goodbye to free evening and weekend parking in Cleveland

What they're saying: City officials say higher rates and longer enforcement will improve turnover, making short-term parking easier to find downtown while generating revenue for streetscape and infrastructure upgrades.

Zoom in: Drivers can now park up to four hours at escalating rates — $1.50 for the first and second hours, $3 for the third and $4.50 for the fourth — plus a 35-cent ParkMobile service fee.

By the numbers: The switch to coinless meters has been a boon for the city. Parking meter revenue has climbed each year since Mayor Justin Bibb rolled out the ParkMobile system, per Cleveland.com.

• 2023: $1.2 million
• 2024: $1.45 million
• 2025: $1.6 million

What's next: The city expects a more substantial jump in 2026, thanks to the higher rates and expanded enforcement.

Meanwhile: Ohio lawmakers are weighing limits on how expensive parking tickets can become.

• A bill sponsored by Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) would cap late fees and administrative costs at the original ticket amount and extend the minimum grace period from 15 days to 30.