City of Cambridge Introduces Flexible Parking Corridors to Support Bike and Bus Network Expansion

The City of Cambridge has launched new Flexible Parking Corridor rules, making it easier for property owners along designated streets to share existing off-street parking. Flexible Parking Corridors are streets identified in the 2020 Bike Plan Network for Greater Separation and bus priority corridors. These changes are intended to reduce the impact of on-street parking removal as the City continues to build out bike and bus networks.

In December 2024, the PTDM Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and Commercial Parking Space Permits Ordinance were updated to make it easier for property owners along Flexible Parking Corridors to share parking spaces.

Key Updates for Properties Along Flexible Parking Corridors Include:

• Existing Parking Facilities: As of December 23, 2024, all current parking facilities may be used for commercial or shared parking serving businesses along the corridors. No new parking spaces can be created, but existing ones may be repurposed. New commercial parking still requires a permit.
• Facilities with 5–19 Non-Residential Spaces: No Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Plan is required. Existing Small Project PTDM Plans approved before December 23, 2024, are no longer mandatory. Commercial parking still requires a permit, but no PTDM plan is needed.
• Facilities with 20+ Non-Residential Spaces: No new PTDM Plan is required when converting to commercial parking. A commercial parking space permit is still required.

"By simplifying the process of sharing off-street parking along key corridors, we can make the transition smoother for businesses and residents impacted by on-street parking changes," said Brooke McKenna, Transportation Commissioner. "Flexible Parking Corridors provide a practical solution to short-term parking challenges while reinforcing our long-term commitment to sustainable transportation."

The City is committed to optimizing underused parking but does not guarantee off-street parking availability, as it only manages its own facilities. The City has no plans to acquire new parking lots to replace on-street spaces. Off-street parking options may vary in cost, time limits, and location compared to on-street alternatives.

These changes support Cambridge’s transportation goals by making better use of existing parking while avoiding the creation of new parking that could bring in more traffic.

“The Flexible Parking Corridor rules help make the transition to becoming a city with safer, more sustainable transportation infrastructure is as comfortable as possible,” said Stephanie Groll, PTDM Officer in the Community Development Department. “We’re making it easier for property owners to share parking in a way that supports Cambridge’s transportation goals.”

To help property owners and the public navigate these changes, the City of Cambridge’s Community Development Department (CDD) and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department (TP+T) will host an Information Session and Scheduled Office Hours:

• Information Session: Thursday, March 20, from 5:30-6:30 PM on Zoom. Register in advance here.
• Office Hours: Tuesday, March 25, from 3-5 PM on Zoom (30-minute appointment sign-up here).
• Office Hours: Thursday, March 27, from 5:30-7:30 PM on Zoom (30-minute appointment sign-up here). 
  
  

For more information on Flexible Parking Corridors, visit the City of Cambridge’s new Flexible Parking Corridor website, www.cambridgema.gov/streetsandtransportation/flexibleparkingcorridors, which includes step-by-step instructions outlining the changes and an interactive map of Flexible Parking Corridors in the City.