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Chad Czapla knew to expect some kind of waiting list to get a parking permit for the Fairfield Train Station, so he applied for one before he and his family even moved to town about a year ago. But he didnt know that the four months of lead-time was too short by nearly six years.
But the Fairfield Beach area resident found at least one bright spot in the long wait. I ride my bike, said Chad. So I beat all these guys out of the lot anyway.
According to the Parking Authority, nearly 8,000 people are on the waiting list for train station permits 3,995 at Fairfield and 3,883 at Southport. Many have been waiting for years to get spots at the stations. The commuters who received permits at the beginning of 2011 had been on the lists since 2005 waits of 73 months at Fairfield and 71 months at Southport.
That leaves commuters plus occasional day-trippers to fight for the spots designated for non-permit parking. And those commuters pay the $6 fee each day about $780 over six months, compared with the $115 to $170 cost of a permit.
Joe, whos been waiting for four years, is one of those day parkers. He doesnt like paying $6 per day, but he has few choices. [Ive] got to get to work, he said.
Fairfields wait-listers should see relief by the end of the year, however. The towns third train station is on track to start receiving passengers by December. The new station will have 1,300 to 1,500 spots for permit parkers. The Parking Authority will give all those permit holders first shot at buying a permit for the new station lot and then move to the waiting lists.
But Chad said hed still prefer to use Fairfield station, even when the new one opens. Not only is it closer to his home, but he has also grown accustomed to the routine of that station. However, he said, If I can get a parking pass there, Id be open to it.
Are you on the waiting list? How long has your wait been? Vent your frustrations in the comments below.
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