CARTA Kicks Off 'First Hour Free' Parking Program with Free Parking Day on December 1, 2024

Free all-day parking at Shuttle Park North and South garages launches a new program offering the first hour free, with access to CARTA’s free downtown electric shuttle.

Chattanooga, TN — 27 November 2024 — The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is introducing a new "First Hour Free" parking program, designed to make accessing downtown Chattanooga more convenient for residents and visitors alike. Beginning December 2nd, 2024, CARTA’s Shuttle Park North and Shuttle Park South garages will offer the first hour of parking free of charge.

To mark the program’s launch, CARTA Parking will provide free parking all day on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, at these locations:

• Shuttle Park North – 211 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37402

• Shuttle Park South – 1362 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37408

The “First Hour Free” program encourages more people to park in CARTA garages and take advantage of downtown Chattanooga’s diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With easy access to CARTA’s free electric shuttle service, visitors can seamlessly connect to downtown destinations while enjoying an affordable and hassle-free parking experience.

“Our goal with the ‘First Hour Free’ program is to make it easier for people to spend time downtown,” said CARTA CEO Charles D. Frazier. “Whether you're running errands, meeting friends for dinner, or enjoying one of Chattanooga’s many attractions, this initiative ensures convenient and affordable parking is readily available, while also supporting our local businesses and community.”

Following the December 1st free parking day, the "First Hour Free" pilot program will officially begin on December 2nd, with standard hourly rates applying after the first hour. CARTA’s garages offer a safe, affordable parking option for visitors, and the free electric shuttle provides a sustainable way to navigate downtown.

CARTA continues to prioritize accessible and innovative transportation solutions that enhance the downtown experience, offering convenient connections that allow residents and visitors to explore Chattanooga’s vibrant city center with ease, by choosing more affordable public parking and using the free shuttle system, when convenient.

For more information about parking rates and transit services offered by CARTA, visit www.chattanoogaparking.org and www.gocarta.org.

About CARTA

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is Chattanooga's public transit system, founded in 1973. As the driving force behind the city's mobility, CARTA connects communities and empowers lives through a comprehensive range of services, including fixed-route buses, paratransit services (Care-a-van), microtransit (CARTA Go), the iconic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, and the free downtown electric shuttle system. CARTA is also responsible for managing the Chattanooga Parking Authority, overseeing a network of garages, parking lots, and on-street parking. By shaping the future of mobility, CARTA fuels Chattanooga’s economic growth, enhances accessibility, and drives the city’s progress forward.