Chattanooga, TN, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is rolling out new initiatives to improve downtown parking accessibility and affordability for residents and visitors. Led by BrightBase and CARTA, these changes include a pilot program offering free parking benefits for local residents, increased validated parking options at businesses, and tools for better locating parking spaces. With these enhancements, city officials aim to streamline parking solutions and address community frustrations with existing parking management.
Chattanooga is set to enhance its downtown parking solutions with a series of new initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of parking for residents and visitors alike. BrightBase, a private parking management company, is leading these changes alongside the Chattanooga Parking Authority (CARTA), which governs public parking spaces.
BrightBase, founded in 2021 and currently managing 51 parking locations, captures the daily needs of approximately 5,000 vehicles. The company has addressed the common criticism faced by parking management organizations, focusing on enhancing user experience despite its limited popularity among users.
During peak hours, BrightBase charges $2 an hour at eight of its locations, while most other spots charge between $2 to $3 an hour until 4 p.m. After this time, the rates can spike to as much as $10 an hour. There are also options for limited-time free parking that allow businesses to validate customers’ parking at select times. This approach seeks to balance profitability with customer satisfaction.
CARTA’s Role in Downtown Parking
CARTA oversees a total of 1,350 spaces in three garages and an additional 900 spaces across four surface lots within downtown Chattanooga. Furthermore, it manages around 2,800 metered street spaces, priced at $1.50 an hour, which are free after 6 p.m. and throughout Sundays. CARTA is actively encouraging private parking operators like BrightBase to offer bound opportunities for validated free parking to enhance convenience for customers.
New Initiatives and Benefits
To better assist drivers, CARTA has made available an online mapping tool that helps users easily locate free, affordable, and validated parking options. In a notable initiative launched last year, CARTA began providing the first hour of parking for free at two downtown garages, which also offer complimentary electric shuttle services to enhance connectivity for users. The first two hours in these garages are priced at $4, subsequently charging $8 for durations extending up to three hours.
Public parking typically starts at $2 for the first hour, but on weekends, the situation improves. Customers can purchase a weekend parking pass priced at $25, valid from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Monday. This service is facilitated through the ParkMobile app, although it should be noted that it does not cover the Market Street garage.
Upcoming Pilot Program
Beginning August 1, CARTA will introduce a three-month pilot program that offers free parking benefits to local residents who pay an associated $5 annual city sticker tax. The program will provide various benefits, including six free 30-minute parking sessions or two complimentary two-hour sessions in designated public lots. This initiative reflects a desire by city officials, including Mayor Tim Kelly, to reform parking strategies and improve access for Chattanooga’s residents.
Participating Businesses Offering Validation
Several downtown businesses are participating in validation programs to further support their customers. Establishments like Public House Restaurant, Easy Bistro & Bar, Old Gilman Grill, Sitar Indian Cuisine, and Hennen’s are offering validated parking, aiming to attract more patrons and ease their parking concerns.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes in downtown Chattanooga aim to create a more user-friendly environment for both residents and visitors. With the combined efforts of BrightBase and CARTA, the aim is to streamline parking solutions and offer better service, thereby addressing frustrations often expressed by the community regarding parking management.
FAQ Section
What is BrightBase?
BrightBase is a private parking management company founded in 2021, managing various parking locations in downtown Chattanooga.
How much does BrightBase charge for parking?
BrightBase charges $2 an hour during the day at eight locations, with rates going up to $10 an hour after 4 p.m.
What parking solutions does CARTA offer?
CARTA manages numerous parking garages and street spaces, offers the first hour free at two garages, and provides an online map for users to find parking options.
Is there any weekend parking pass available?
Yes, a $25 weekend parking pass can be purchased, which is valid from Friday 6 p.m. to Monday 6 a.m. but does not cover the Market Street garage.
What does the pilot program starting August 1 entail?
The pilot program offers free parking benefits to residents paying a $5 annual city sticker tax, which may include free parking sessions in public lots.
| Parking Provider | Locations Managed | Daily Users | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| BrightBase | 51 | 5,000 | $2-$10 per hour (varies by time) |
| CARTA | Approximately 4,000 spaces (garages and lots) | N/A | $1.50 per hour, free parking after 6 p.m. and Sundays |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Downtown Parking Initiatives in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Free Parking for Locals
- Google Search: Chattanooga parking solutions
- Times Free Press: Finding Free or Cheap Parking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Unum and Courthouse Site Needs
- Google News: Chattanooga parking news
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
