SLO is ditching controversial gateless tech at downtown parking garage. What to know
After less than two years, San Luis Obispo’s controversial foray into gateless technology at one of its downtown parking structures is at an end — but it’s not going fully back to the old “low-tech” parking process either.
In July 2023, the city rolled out a new gateless or “ticketless” process at its 842 Palm St. parking structure. The new technology was meant to speed up parking at the often-backed-up structure and allow for people to enter and exit without needing to stop and pay in the lane.
It didn’t exactly go as planned.
Critics said the new procedure was confusing and did not like that it required people to pay to park ahead of time. It didn’t help that the city rolled out the technology at the same time as a slate of other major changes, including new apps and higher rates, which all further upset people trying to park downtown.
Now the city is putting a gate back on the structure, according to parking program manager Donna King — though there will still be options for people who want the convenience of driving in and driving straight out.
“We are super excited about advancing the future of parking downtown,” she told The Tribune on Tuesday.
What is replacing gateless tech at downtown SLO parking structure?
According to King, the new system will have something for everyone.
Those who preferred the traditional method will still be able to pull a ticket when they enter and then pay at the gate as they exit.
But others who have gotten used to paying before exiting will be able to do so via a QR code, phone number or one of the payment kiosks throughout the structure. Then they will be able to drive straight up to the gate, which using license plate reader technology should automatically open and allow the car out.
People who have a downtown parking permit will continue to be able to use their cards to access the structure.
“We heard the public’s concerns,” King said. “This will make it easier to park downtown.”
When will parking structure switch happen?
Construction at the Palm Street structure will begin Monday, March 10, 2025, King said, and should last between one and two weeks.
“Obviously we’re hoping for one week,” she said with a laugh.
The garage will remain open throughout the construction, though there could be some changes to traffic control at the entrances and exits, she added.
For more information on parking in downtown San Luis Obispo, visit slocity.org/government/department-directory/public-works/parking-services/downtown.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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