Discount parking program for Nashville musicians expands

Musicians playing gigs at venues across Nashville now qualify for discounted parking.

Why it matters: Parking is a pain for everyone in Nashville, but especially working musicians whose jobs take them to some of the city's most desirable neighborhoods.

• Music Venue Alliance Nashville president Chris Cobb said parking was identified as one of musicians' biggest concerns during last year's music census.

Flashback: Metropolis, the technology company and parking lot operator, rolled out its discount parking program last year for musicians working in the downtown area.

• The original program was a partnership between the company, the musicians union and the Committee for Downtown Musicians & Workers.

Driving the news: The discount program has now expanded to include Metropolis-operated parking facilities located near independent venues in different neighborhoods around the city. With the expansion, 23 parking areas will offer the discount.

• Metropolis worked with the Mayor's Office of Nightlife and the Music Venue Alliance Nashville to identify the lots near independent venues.

How it works: There are three methods for musicians to get the Metropolis discount codes: Musicians playing a participating independent venue will be provided a QR code, AFM Local 257 provides the code to its members and through the downtown musicians Facebook page.

• Last year, Metropolis reported providing more than $20,000 in discounts for its downtown program.