Austin drivers wishing to park downtown on Wednesday nights will have to start paying soon. The city's new parking hours, which extend metered parking on the street from 6 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays, are effective Aug. 1. The new metered parking schedule is as follows:
  • Mon.-Tue.: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Wed.-Fri: 8 a.m.-midnight
  • Sat.: 11 a.m.-midnight
Street parking is free outside of these hours. The city of Austin's transportation department said the new hours would encourage on-street parking turnover—which benefits shop and restaurant owners—and combat traffic congestion. The department encourages drivers to download the city of Austin's pay-by-phone app ParkX. A list of metered parking areas can be found here.