Crews could be seen programming the price increase on some of the pay boxes Monday afternoon in the Loop. They started their and worked their way out, according to the agency.
Mayor Daley said he understands the frustration among drivers- but praised some improvements, including portable receipts and increased maximum parking times in some areas.
"They're upset because of the transition but… other cities are doing this all over the country. Pittsburgh, L.A., every city is doing what we're doing now," said Mayor Daley.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and the city council agreed to the annual rate hikes when they signed over control of the parking meters to the private firm a year ago in exchange for just under $1.2 billion in upfront cash.
Parking rates are increasing for some parking lots at O'Hare and Midway airports as well. Rates for short-term parking four hours or less at both airports will remain the same, but long-term parking at many lots at both O'Hare and Midway will go up $1.
It will take about a month to program the higher prices into all of Chicago's parking pay stations.
