EZ OUT of Your Pocket
Here is a funny indication of how long I’ve been Car Free DC.
Last week, while shopping at the Pentagon City mall, I saw this: the EZ OUT. Who knew the parking lot fees were automated at the Mall?
Still, the very concept that a mall, dependent on auto traffic as much as Pentagon City is, would actually change its customers to shop there is beyond me.
Wouldn’t you want to make every effort to ease your patrons egress? If only to escape publicity like this WashPost article?
I can see charging for those who don’t shop there, even towing non patrons, but milking your shoppers for $2 bucks a pop for parking? Downright cold-ass extortion.
They validate if you purchase anything in there and, unless it takes you 5 hours to purchase something, your parking will end up being free (just like every other parking lot at every other mall that charges for parking).
The crappy “mall” across the street (with Best Buy and Linen’s and Things) however does not validate with purchase, unless you go to Chevy’s or CPK.
I disagree with the suggestion that Pentagon City Mall is so auto dependent. A great deal of their customers comes from Metro and tour buses. Tysons Corner malls are auto dependent.
I believe the parking fees are there so that the mall does not become overwhelmed with Metro commuters everyday. The mall’s priority is making sure that customers do not have spaces taken away by commuters who don’t intend to shop.
Did you know there is an additional tax on food (perhaps more) at Pentagon City mall?
welcome to the 1990s Wayan.
Not every shop inside the mall offers parking validation, I believe it’s just the flagship shops. In any case, I always go to Nordstrom and have no problem having my parking validated.
Thanks for the info, Mik. I never saw any store offer parking validation. Now I know where…
No problem Twinkie, third floor, across from the elevators and women’s lounge.