The Department of Transportation on Monday formally requested Statements of Qualification from companies interested in operating the meters regulating the city's 80,800 on-street parking spaces. Statements are due July 31.
Under any agreement the city would keep control of meter rates and enforcement of violations, said Julie Wood, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office.
"We're seeking private-sector expertise on innovative ways to enhance the efficiency and quality of parking services provided by the city," Wood said in a statement. "At the same time, we are taking a careful and deliberate approach to avoid mistakes others have made."
To be considered, companies will have to have experience running at least 20,000 on-street parking spaces and at least 100,000 spaces overall. They must be able to put up $100 million in collateral - enough money to guarantee a year's revenue.
Based on the responses, the city will decide whether to move forward with the project, which has been under consideration for some time. Last July, officials selected a financial adviser for the project
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