Business

Boston Parking Lot to Discount ‘Green’ Vehicles, Penalize ‘Gas Guzzlers’

Let‘s say you’re in Boston and you’re driving to a Celtics or Bruins game. If you’re driving a snazzy “clean” energy vehicle and you want to park in that new lot they’re putting in Bulfinch Triangle, you may be getting a discounted public parking rate.

But if you’re driving a vehicle that gets less than 15 miles per gallon, expect to pay a 10-cent “gas guzzler” penalty.

“Whatever car you buy is your choice, and they shouldn’t charge you more because you don’t have a hybrid or because you drive a ‘gas-guzzler,”’ one Boston resident (who owns a Jeep) told the Boston Herald.

Boston Parking Lot To Discount Green Vehicles, Penalize Gas GuzzlersThe abandoned Mobil station at Bulfinch Triangle will be turned into a parking lot that charges more for vehicles that “guzzle gas” (Photo: Ted Fitzgerald)

Boston’s Dinosaur Capital Partners is collaborating with California’s [of course] Streetline Inc. to outfit a parking lot in the Bulfinch Triangle area (near TD Garden) with machines that will charge clients based on the cars they drive.

“People who park hybrids or electric cars at the Green Park & Charge lot…will get a 10 percent discount on the expected $10-an-hour rate,” the Herald reports. “But those who drive sport-utility vehicles or other rides that get fewer than 15 miles per gallon will pay a 10 percent penalty.”

How do the folks behind this “green” energy scheme explain themselves?

“We feel strongly that not only is this the right thing to do, but that we’ll attract customers who feel the same way,” Dinosaur Capital’s Scott Oran told the Herald.

“A big SUV has a cost both in terms of the environment and in terms of being a heavier vehicle that causes more wear and tear on our lot,” he said. “We think that should be reflected in our price.”

The company is spending $1.5 million to build the lot, which will include 12 parking spaces outfitted with free electric vehicle charging stations.

And guess who’s picking up the $50,000 tab to keep those charging stations free? That’s right: taxpayers.

“I don’t expect too many SUV owners will be ticked off, because they understand that they’re driving a car that costs more to operate and to park,” Oran said.

Not surprisingly, a few Boston drivers interviewed by the Herald think the 10-cent “gas guzzler” surcharge is, uh, ill-advised.

John Roberts, who drives a GMC Sierra, says the surcharge “is not fair. It’s like they’re trying to make money off of people who are not environmentally conscious.”

Another resident, a Jeep owner, said: “I don’t think it’s going to matter really. People with gas-guzzlers will just park somewhere else.”

(H/T: The Consumerist)

Comments (74)

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  • Emerson Biggins
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:42am

    Ridiculous. No wonder people are leaving the liberal cities left and right. I really wish we could just divide the country in two. Give California to the hard core liberals and wall them off. Within a year, there will be no jobs, no food, no energy, no fuel, and no health care. Liberals have to be the most American-hating, business hating, job hating people in history.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 12:07pm

      Is not… charging more or less… based upon Speed & Performance: RACEist?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • garylee123
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 12:59pm

      As a resident in the REAL Northern Ca. (State of Jefferson…look it up) I have to say it’s too lat. We’re already ruined.

      Report Post »  
    • cantstandlibs
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 6:49pm

      I entertain splitting the country. Down the Mississippi. Problem is, getting liberals to move without slash and burn what they are leaving. And start with what as a Constitution? The US Constitution with more teeth. We would just be putting off the inevitable. There is no solution other than taking control of our children’s educations and putting decent people in government positions, and weeding out the bad, starting with outlawing public sector unions, and making pensions and retirement plans in line with the average person’s.

      Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 7:32pm

      “Liberals have to be the most American-hating, business hating, job hating people in history.”

      That’s because they either are communists or dumbly do their dirty work.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 11:08pm

      The largest City in our state is putting in one hybrid vehicle space with the cooperation of the local power company. The power company will pick up the construction cost and the first two years of the “study”. After that, the cost of recharging will shift over to the City. I was trying not to smirk during the meeting because I’ve heard recharging a battery can take up to 12 hours, and most people only work 8 or 9. I’ll also be interested in seeing how much they charge the city once the usage study is done.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • jpbugdust
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 7:30am

    Total sales of the Chevy Volt over a two year period (2010-2012) has been 11,921 cars.
    As everyone can see the sales have been pathetically low.
    The free market has already made it’s statement about “green vehicles.” The market wants
    nothing to do with over-priced G.M. (Government-Motors,) products!

    I drive a 250 c.c. Honda Rebel motorcycle which gets 95 miles per gallon! (Paid $1,600 dollars for it.)

    Report Post » jpbugdust  
    • Danang1972
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 10:28am

      I am 64 years old and I ride a 50cc moped with a little trailer behind it. I built the trailer myself and use this rig to go do our family food shopping. 70+ MPG. Had many people ask about the trailer and most think it is way cool. Still have my F150 (96) and my Ford Explorer (95) – would not buy or own any GM product, even if they were giving them away!

      Report Post » Danang1972  
  • roadhog
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 5:05am

    One more exsample of a Statle with One Party Rule . Pure Communists

    Report Post »  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 7:04am

      Actually anyone whose charged more can sue for discrimination.

      Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 2:03am

    …
    I’ll keep my four gas guzzlers. They are all paid for.
    I’m not going into debt for any hybrid or electric car.

    Report Post »  
    • mauijonny
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 4:47am

      Ummmm….I have a ‘95 5-speed. It gets 40mpg.

      Man. Talk about elitists.

      Report Post » mauijonny  
  • run4thehills
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 1:48am

    Trillions and trillions of years ago, when cave men were driving around in SUV’s shooting dinosaurs for their fur, they had to pay a lot more for parking than we do now because GPS was expensive and finding a parking lot was scarce. Billions of our tax dollars were spent on this conclusion.

    Report Post » run4thehills  
  • Conservative_T-Rex
    Posted on April 26, 2012 at 12:48am

    i‘m pretty sure the gov’t can’t give away free energy?!?! this story has to be false. if true, its a lawsuit waiting to happen.

    game/quiz for avid fox news watchers: http://www.sporcle.com/games/Bohnfather/fox-news-personalities

    Report Post »  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:48pm

    This makes absolutely no sense to me. The business is renting parking space to people visiting the area, so as long as the vehicle fits in the space What business is it of theirs what the milage is. Some people just because their paycheck comes from some Government entity can’t resist the urge to tell other people how to live their life.

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
  • KaliforniaWorried
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:41pm

    This parking lot thing………another of Failbama policies! I was at Gettysburg recently and a huge section of the parking lot closest to the museum was set aside for “green electric vehicles”. All other cars were routed to a parking lot farther away and down a hill. So, old people and the lame had to hike while the so called “green” parking lot sat there………………completely empty. Stupid beyond belief!

    Report Post »  
    • OklahomaBeck
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 7:47am

      My husband and I were there last year and saw the same thing! It made me mad. If you can’t afford a green car get to the back of the bus.

      Report Post »  
  • Teabunny
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:30pm

    YO, Baby,you think they are dirty. HA! try Chicago…I’m telling you parking here…will make your hair fall out, it is sooo expensive! you wanna know where Obama learned his dirty tricks? politics explosive enough to terrorize the angels! we have more governors in jail than alive and out of jail! not kidding! but , don’t worry…there’s a heaven above …..

    Report Post » Teabunny  
  • florida123
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:07pm

    How stupid is this sign………….No one in their right mind is going to go out and spend 10s of thousands of dollars on a new car so they can have that parking spot………….Im so damn glad i dont live in a big city anymore……………..

    Report Post » florida123  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:24pm

      Not to mention how stupid those cars look. I saw one today that looked like a toy car. If somebody wants to drive one, good for them, just don‘t penalize somebody who doesn’t want to. It’s called freedom of choice! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJC5Zw-ggrc

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • KaliforniaWorried
      Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:44pm

      Having seen two Prius cars involved in accidents recently. I will park where ever and hike. They litterally fold up, tear apart and spread tiny pieces of themselves all over the road when they get tapped by another car………….or in one instance, hit a guard rail doing about 60mph. That one literally disintegrated! No Way, No How! They are damned dangerous.

      Report Post »  
  • angelcat
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:04pm

    I hope all the “gas guzzlers” just stop using the parking lot. Let’s see if it can stay in business with only green cars paying to park.

    Report Post »  
    • KaliforniaWorried
      Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:45pm

      Good point, there aren’t enough of them make that parking area particularly profitable are there?

      Report Post »  
  • glashole
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:01pm

    What is Green? Walking with no clothes or shoes to work? Only it you work in the woods and commute naked on a dirt path. Eat only animals because they produce CO 2. Lets be clear, there is no such thing as green in our world.

    Report Post » glashole  
  • fishandpoi
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:56pm

    I see a lot of key marks “scraaaaaaaatch” on those cars.
    Dec. 2013. Aloha, Obama….Mahalo, for nothing

    Report Post »  
  • howardroark1165
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:42pm

    @ LESBIAN PACKING HOLLOW POINTS

    What’s your daily carry?

    Mine is a Beretta 84FS loaded with 380 Hydra-Shoks.

    Report Post » howardroark1165  
  • Phasma
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:39pm

    That liberal lot should be empty, but I bet it won’t be. There aren‘t enough drivers up there with a pair larger than BB’s so this will be a fantastic hit with the lamers. Enjoy your socialist heaven Bostonians

    Report Post » Phasma  
  • howardroark1165
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:37pm

    Coal powered cars….. If the libs were honest they’d admit that electric cars are a double edged sward for their eco-centric world view. They neglect the fact that there is either a coal plant, nuclear plant, or perhaps a hydro electric power plant at the end of the extension cord. They despise all forms of energy save wind and solar, yet they puff out their chests and tell us how green their electric car is while tell us how bad Big Evil Coal is out of the other side of their mouth.

    Not to put too fine of a point on the matter, the production of the batteries is VERY toxic and not very eco friendly at all (same thing goes for the production of solar cells).

    But they can overlook all of that and go on feeling superior.

    I would not pay a nickle extra to park my van in their lot of social engineering.

    Report Post » howardroark1165  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:09pm

      Well said .. they aren’t “enviromental” .. they are P.C. not the same thing at all. Like everything else .. it is words not actions.

      Report Post »  
  • groundzero
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:36pm

    It’s either DIVIDE and destroy (or) tax spend borrow.

    Report Post » groundzero  
  • grams09
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:30pm

    More breaks for the 1% who can afford those cars along with those $50.00 light bulbs.

    Report Post » grams09  
    • chiefwahoo23
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 8:09am

      When will these sound-byte morons realize that all of the 1%’s money will NOT make a dent in the deficit they are creating? Sorry… got sidetracked. On another note, if we kill the 1% with over-the-top taxes, I’m sure we can count on the bottom half of the tax brackets to create millions and millions of jobs. (cough-cough)

      Report Post »  
  • ColoradoMaverick
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:28pm

    They should boycott that lot and put them out of business.

    Report Post » ColoradoMaverick  
    • chiefwahoo23
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 8:10am

      Boycotting this parking lot will surely result in government subsidies to keep them open. So, we either pay for it directly, or pay for it indirectly. Sad to say.

      Report Post »  
  • freedom4ever
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:24pm

    when will people stand up and say enough is enough? we are a spinless group of people anymore!

    Report Post »  
    • 2gether
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 6:36am

      unfortunately it is private and they can do what they want. My response is that 52% of our country’s energy comes from coal and that means charging electric cars leads to greater emissions from coal plants. But the fact is that cars today minimize so many emissions that they are more more green than electric cars. We don’t read too much about that do we? I am sure that there is a market and will even be a greater market for natural gas cars and electric cars in the future but this adminstration has put the horse before the cart. They have intentionally forced the closing of east coast oil refineries, shut down dozens of coal fire plants and mines,threatened to bankrupt any new coal industry; played political favors by shutting down the Keystone pipeline to make sure that WARREN BUFFET‘S railroad gets the contracts to ship oil via the railroad he recently bought lining the pockets of the other political player Nebraska’s Ben Nelson who had Buffet’s back throughout by delaying and blocking the pipeline for “environmental purposes” (even though it was approved 3x, would have been encased in cement and there are numerous underground lines already in the area and the RR is more risk and less environmentally friendly) BTW, Nelson has Millions invested in Bershire Hathaway…Buffet’s company; The US has given billlions of American dollars to Petrobra in Brazil to deep water drill in the Gulf while shutting down American rigs. What a country, huh? Time for a change.

      Report Post »  
  • tadroid
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:23pm

    How long till car nuts are stuffing 6-cylinder super tuners under the hood of hybrids?

    Report Post » tadroid  
  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:20pm

    Even in hippy-dippy Boston, when this idea fizzles because owners of “gas-guzzlers” (prolly defined as anything getting less than 40 MPG) stop patronizing this particular lot and the Eco-No-Boxes can’t make up the business, they’ll drop this idea like a hot Li-Ion battery pack.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • jzs
      Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:42pm

      Hey guys, cut the crap. Just shut up. This is a privately owned parking lot. What, do you want the government to step in and tell them how to run their business? Take a leap. These people are running a business and making business decision on how to make the most money. This is what capitalism looks like. Sorry if you don’t like it suckers, Marxist idiots. Fools.

      Take your stupid communist idea, the idea that this business can’t manage itself to maximize profits, and throw it in the trash please, and go live somewhere else if you don’t love this country and love capitalism.

      One thing that bugs me is all the communists, the Stalin lovers, who post here, those who want to force their opinions on others who believe in capitalism and would prevent them from maximizing profits to cater to the SUV crowd. Go live in Russia you numbskulls! Leave this country to those who know how to make money and keep your socialist ideas to yourself!

      jzs  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:11pm

      @JZS

      Did you miss this part or just ignore it ….

      “And guess who’s picking up the $50,000 tab to keep those charging stations free? That’s right: taxpayers”

      That makes it the taxpayers business!

      Report Post »  
    • Emerson Biggins
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 9:45am

      Uh, taxpayers paying for the electricity? Absurd.

      Report Post »  
    • Tricornes
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 12:03pm

      @JZS: Hey genius show me the posts which criticize capitalism, most posts are criticizing the business decision made, not their right to make that decision. Liberals like yourself constantly try to shut down businesses if they support anything you disagree with, but we as conservatives can’t even criticize? If the company doesn‘t support SUVs then why don’t they just ban them altogether? Because they need them to make a profit, that’s why. So why alienate a customer you depend on? Of course it helps if you are getting taxpayer money to subsidize your biz, helps one afford to be stupid, at least until you go bankrupt like Solyndra.

      Report Post » Tricornes  
  • bigben357mag
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:19pm

    I’d like to park my Peterbilt there, it get 7mpg on a good day and less then 5 on a bad day. What do you think they’d charge me? F.O. liberal trash!!

    Report Post »  
  • FloStock
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:17pm

    A local LEED-certified building has several parking spots reserved for hybrid vehicles. I’ve been told that the LEED certification requires this. But really, whether I drive my 4-mpg motor home to work, or ride my zero-emissions bicycle, is the building any more or less efficient? Does my method of commuting to the office have any effect whatsoever on this 400,000 square-foot office? The parking-spot requirement is another example of feel-good regulation.

    Report Post »  
    • 2gether
      Posted on April 26, 2012 at 6:52am

      Amen, like I posted earlier, the US gets 52% of its energy from coal which means that there ends up being more green house emissions in charging an electric car than it does to drive a gas car that has been capable of blocking all those “nasty emissions” from the tailpipes for quite some time. But tha’s critical thinking and who bothers to do that any more. There will be a place and a time for many alternate fuels but during a recession and while the country is drowning with a 15 trillion dollar albatross around its neck is not it. They lied about it and in so doing they have put the horse before the cart.

      Report Post »  
  • aChameleon
    Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:16pm

    That’s racist.

    Report Post » aChameleon  
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