Schenectady, N.Y., March 21, 2008 – Metroplex today released information on use of its seven surface parking lots and parking garage in 2007. The results show a major increase in the number of people working, shopping and enjoying the performing arts in downtown Schenectady.

“As the revitalization of downtown continues, we are seeing an across the board increase in use of our parking lots and garage,” said Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen.

In 2007, there was a 40% increase in daytime visitor parking with 128,859 parkers during business hours compared with 92,164 in 2006. Metroplex does not track evening visits as parking is free after 5 pm except in two lots directly behind Proctors. Visitors to Proctors or Bowtie Movieland can park free of charge anytime in the Broadway Parking Garage. Daytime free parking in the surface lots is limited to two hours.

The parking data also shows that visitors to downtown are staying longer. Twenty-one percent (21%) of customers stayed longer than 2 hours, which represents an 84% increase over 2006 (27,332 vs. 14,892).

Monthly parking permits for people working downtown have increased to 1,471 up from 350 in 2004.

Metroplex assumed control of the downtown parking garage and surface lots in 2004 from the City of Schenectady. Improvements have been made to the parking lots including reconstruction, landscaping and restriping. The parking garage has also received substantial upgrades including new lighting and security cameras as part of a network of wireless cameras being installed downtown.

Metroplex has just added an 8th lot surface lot this year behind the Center City complex to accommodate additional visitors and employees coming to downtown.

For more information, see www.parkschenectady.com.