Cruising for parking is the driving people do while searching for an open space. It adds traffic, emissions and frustration, and it is most common where curb parking is cheap or free and nearly full.
The incentive is simple: when curb parking costs less than a nearby garage, drivers will spend time circling to find it. Early studies reviewed by Donald Shoup in The High Cost of Free Parking found cruising made up a large share of traffic in some congested downtowns, in some cases around 30%. Later research using GPS and sensor data finds the share varies widely and is often far lower, but where it occurs it is costly and avoidable.
How to reduce cruising
- Price the curb so a few spaces stay open on each block. See parking occupancy and dynamic pricing.
- Narrow the price gap between curb and garage so the garage is not the expensive choice.
- Show availability with guidance systems and apps.
- Allow reservations for destinations where certainty matters. See pre-booked parking.
The Parkonomics view
Cruising is the hidden price of underpriced parking. Drivers pay it in time and fuel, and everyone else pays it in traffic.
Related terms: Parking Occupancy, Dynamic Pricing, On-Street Parking, Parking Guidance System, Congestion Pricing
Further reading: The Lane Always Fills