5 Major Updates From The City Of Reading Parking Authority You Need To Know In 2025
The City of Reading Parking Authority (RPA) is undergoing significant changes and rolling out major new initiatives as of late 2025, directly impacting residents, commuters, and downtown businesses. These updates, which include a limited-time amnesty program and a new, consumer-friendly downtown initiative, are part of a broader effort to modernize parking management and improve community relations in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The goal is to ensure parking is safe, accessible, and efficient across the city.
As of December 19, 2025, the RPA is actively working with City Council on revisiting key ordinances and implementing programs designed to drive more foot traffic to Penn Street and surrounding areas. Understanding these changes is crucial for avoiding fines and taking advantage of new cost-saving opportunities, especially the highly anticipated ticket amnesty program.
Reading Parking Authority: 2025 Board Members and Key Personnel
The strategic direction and operational oversight of the Reading Parking Authority are managed by a dedicated Board of Directors and key executive staff. Their monthly board meetings are a critical forum for discussing new policies, financial reports, and community feedback. The 2025 leadership team is focused on transparency and responsive governance.
- Nelson Espinal: Chairman of the RPA Board.
- Patricia Vasquez: Vice-Chairman (and sometimes listed as Secretary/Assistant Treasurer).
- Kerry Burford: Secretary/Assistant Treasurer.
- Dr. Rodney S. Ridley, Sr.: RPA Board Member.
- Devon Guistwite: RPA Board Member (mentioned in the June 2025 minutes).
- Rafael Batista: Executive (mentioned as being present at board meetings).
- Mayor Eddie Morán: The Mayor's office is actively collaborating with the RPA on new initiatives, such as the "Free 10 on Penn" program.
The board's 2025 meeting schedule indicates a commitment to regular oversight, with meetings scheduled throughout the year to manage the city's parking infrastructure.
The 5 Biggest RPA Initiatives and Changes for 2025
The year 2025 has brought several impactful changes and new programs from the Reading Parking Authority. These initiatives aim to address long-standing parking and traffic problems, offering relief and incentives to the community while ensuring compliance with regulations.
1. The Limited-Time Parking Ticket Amnesty Program
One of the most significant announcements for 2025 is the limited-time parking ticket amnesty program. This initiative offers a major opportunity for residents and visitors to settle outstanding civil parking violations at a reduced cost.
- Program Dates: The amnesty program is scheduled to run from March 3 through May 30, 2025.
- Benefit: Participants can realize significant savings on their accumulated fines and fees.
- Intention: This program is designed to help clear the books of old, unpaid tickets and provide financial relief to those who have fallen behind on their obligations.
This is a critical window for anyone with outstanding Reading PA parking fines to resolve their debt before standard enforcement measures resume. It reflects a community-focused approach from the RPA leadership.
2. The "Free 10 on Penn" Initiative
In a direct effort to support downtown businesses and increase accessibility, Mayor Eddie Morán and the RPA launched the innovative "Free 10 on Penn" initiative.
- What It Is: The program provides a short grace period for street parking along the main Penn Street corridor.
- Purpose: It allows drivers to quickly run into a business, drop off a package, or pick up a takeout order without the immediate pressure of feeding a meter or receiving a ticket.
- Impact: This is a positive step toward reducing the perceived hassle of downtown parking, encouraging more spontaneous visits to local shops and restaurants.
The "Free 10 on Penn" is a clear example of the City of Reading authorities working together to revitalize the downtown area and address urban parking problems.
3. New Parking Rates for Reading Royals Games
Sports fans attending events at the Santander Arena, particularly Reading Royals hockey games, should be aware of updated parking rates.
- Details: The Reading Parking Authority announced new parking rates specifically for the 2025 Reading Royals season.
- Action Required: Visitors should check the official Reading Royals and RPA websites before attending games to avoid unexpected costs or delays.
This change is part of managing the high-volume traffic and parking demand associated with major downtown events, ensuring efficient use of the parking garages and lots.
4. Revisit of the Parking and Loading Ordinance
The City of Reading, alongside the RPA and City Council, is actively revisiting the existing parking and loading ordinance.
- Timeline: Discussions and resolutions regarding the ordinance were scheduled for mid-2025 (e.g., June 25, 2025).
- Significance: A revised ordinance could lead to changes in permitted loading zones, commercial vehicle parking rules, and general street parking regulations.
- Goal: The city aims to create a more functional and modern regulatory framework that better serves the needs of a growing urban center.
This legislative initiative shows a commitment to long-term improvements in traffic and parking management beyond temporary programs.
5. Understanding Parking Tickets as a Civil Offense
A crucial piece of information for all drivers in Reading, PA, is the legal classification of parking tickets. Since 2016, parking tickets issued by the RPA have been classified as a civil offense.
- Classification: Civil, not criminal.
- Processing: Tickets are not processed by the courts or the criminal justice system.
- Implication: This means a parking ticket is a debt owed to the municipality, not a criminal charge. However, ignoring these civil offenses can still lead to significant penalties, including vehicle booting or towing, which is why the amnesty program is so valuable.
How to Address Reading PA Parking Tickets and Violations
The Reading Parking Authority provides clear guidelines for handling parking violations, payment options, and the appeal process. Understanding these procedures is essential for maintaining compliance.
Ticket Payment and Options
The RPA strives to make paying a parking ticket as convenient as possible. Options typically include:
- Online Payments: Using the official RPA website for fast and secure transactions.
- Mail: Sending a check or money order to the RPA office address.
- In-Person: Paying at the RPA office during business hours.
Always ensure you are using the official Reading Parking Authority payment options to avoid third-party fees or scams.
The Appeal Process
If you believe a ticket was issued in error, the RPA has an established appeal process, as parking tickets are treated as civil offenses.
- Filing an Appeal: Details on how to file an appeal are available on the RPA website.
- Required Documentation: Typically, you will need to provide supporting evidence, such as photographs, meter receipts, or witness statements.
- Timeliness: Appeals must be submitted within a specific time frame following the issuance of the ticket, so prompt action is necessary.
The commitment of the City of Reading Parking Authority to fairness and community service is evident in its new initiatives for 2025, from the "Free 10 on Penn" to the ticket amnesty program. By staying informed about these crucial updates, residents and visitors can navigate downtown Reading more efficiently and cost-effectively.
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