Parking in Downtown Salem

New paid parking system in downtown take effect July 10

The City of Salem is implementing an on-street, paid parking system in downtown, with changes taking effect starting July 10. This significant shift will impact how many employees, employers, and visitors navigate downtown.

This change aims to generate revenue for important city services and to help keep parking available for guests of downtown businesses. Paid parking is expected to reduce how long people can park in an on-street space, thus freeing up spaces more frequently for new customers. This can make it easier and more reliable to find parking, reduce the number of cars circling for a spot, lessen traffic congestion, and support Salem's Climate Action Plan.

Key Details of the New Paid Parking System

• Implementation Date: The new system will begin on July 10.
• Payment Methods:
  • Electronic Pay Stations: These stations will accept credit and debit cards (MasterCard and Visa) in addition to coins.
  • Beep Beep Salem App: A new mobile payment option, the "Beep Beep Salem" app, will be available for convenient payment via your phone.
• Parking Garages: Parking will remain free for customers and visitors in the city’s downtown parking structures. Employees must purchase a monthly parking permit in order to park in the garages during their shift

Rethink Your Commute

Avoid the paid on-street parking altogether by taking the bus! Cherriots is an economical option for commuting to and from downtown, as well as visiting downtown businesses and attractions. 

As part of our Rethink Your Commute campaign, we’re offering a FREE 3-Day Umo pass to employees of local businesses who work downtown, to encourage them to try transit.

Choose Cherriots!