Horizon sets new parking rates at 3 largest hospitals

Horizon Health Network is standardizing public parking rates at its hospitals in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton, with most rates increasing.

The new parking rate at all three locations with be $1.75 an hour, with a maximum daily rate of $8.

The Moncton Hospital has hourly rates of $1.75 and $1.50 with a daily maximum of $7.75 and $6.75. Saint John's current hourly rate is $1.25 with a daily maximum of $6 while the rate in Fredericton is $1.50 an hour with a daily maximum of $6.

The new hourly rate at Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton hospitals will be $1.75 an hour with $8 maximum.

The new rates take effect on Sept. 14.

The price of a weekly pass will be set at $20 while a monthly pass will cost $50.

Jeff Carter, the health authority's corporate director of support services, said there has only been a small increase at the Moncton hospital since Horizon was created in 2008.

"Parking fees at our hospitals have not kept up with local municipal rates in other venues over the years," he said. "This means we have less and less revenue available every year for operation and maintenance of our parking areas."

The revenue from parking is used to pay for the upkeep of parking lots, including paving and snow removal.