FAQs
FREE HOLIDAY PARKING
FREE PARKING will be available on the following holidays and events through 2019 in both the Garages and the Street parking:
- MLK Day, January 21, 2019
- President’s Day, February 18, 2019
- Memorial Day, May 27, 2019
- Independence Day, July 4, 2019
- Labor Day, September 2, 2019
- Columbus Day, October 14, 2019
- Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2019
- Thanksgiving, November 28, 2019
- Reston Holiday Parade, November 29, 2019
- Christmas, December 25, 2019
- New Year’s Day, January 1, 2020
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY PARKING?
New and easier to use PARK & PAY Kiosks are located at Garage Pay Stations. Enhanced features include: no app required, swipe credit card, easy to apply validation, pay with cash and receive change. Locations of Pay Stations:
- Purple Garage – P2 pedestrian entrance closer to Explorer Street.
- Orange Garage – P3 pedestrian entrance, Library Street.
- Green Garage- P2 pedestrian entrance, closer to Library Street.
- Blue Garage- Ground floor elevator lobby level.
The Easy-to-use Park RTC App is available online at www.ParkRTC.com or by telephone at 571-485-7790.
Check are not accepted
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARK?
New garage parking rates effective 6/5/2017
- First hour free in garages, all garages free after 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.
- Garage parking on weekends (from 12:00 a.m. Saturday through 12:00 a.m. Monday) are free, as are major holidays and premier events (see below).
- Reston Town Center Garage Rates:
0-1 Hour FREE 1-2 Hours $2.00 2-3 Hours $3.00 3-4 Hours $4.00 4-6 Hours $6.00 6-10 Hours $8.00 10-12 Hours $12.00 Daily Max. $24.00
Street parking is free ONLY on Sundays and federal holidays.
- Reston Town Center Street Rates are 2 hr. max and you must start a parking session with the ParkRTC app or the Credit Card Pay Station only.
- Reston Town Center Street Rates:
0-1 Hour $3.00 1-2 Hours $6.00 - You will not be charged for parking until you initiate a parking session.
- Transaction and credit card processing fees will not be passed on to patrons. Boston Properties will pay all transaction and processing fees.
- Parking rates were determined based on similar town centers in the D.C. Metro area, as well as extensive research on similar communities around the country.
- Monthly passes will be available. For more information contact parking@restontowncenter.com.
HOW DO I START A PARKING SESSION?
Starting a parking session is easy. Please follow the steps below:
- Park Car
- Start a parking session by doing one of the following:
- Download or open the ParkRTC app & follow instructions.
- Open the mobile pay website – http://parkrtc.ppprk.com/park/
- Walk to the credit card or cash pay stations located in the garage.
- Call phone number – 571-485-7790
- Enter Zone, Vehicle Info, and Duration & Payment Information.
- Confirm Your Parking Session.
- Shop/Dine/Enjoy!
WHAT ZONE AM I PARKED IN?
Each garage has only 1 zone number. Zone numbers are posted on signs at garage entrance, by parking spaces, in the elevator, within stairwell lobbies and at the pay stations. Here is a map of the locations for your reference (link to map)
WHAT IS PARKRTC MOBILE PAY PARKING?
ParkRTC is a streamlined, ticketless parking system based on license plate recognition that will provide an enhanced parking experience for our customers. There are no gate arms, parking attendants or machines when you enter or exit the garage. It is also a parking guidance system with red and green LED-based space indicators and electronic display boards to quickly guide you to available parking spaces. Upon pulling into an available space, signage provides instruction on how to initiate a parking session. When leaving, the customer can proceed directly to the exit.
All parking garages and street parking spaces will be part of the ParkRTC system.
Saturdays & Sundays, major holidays, and major events are FREE for garage parking.
Street parking spaces are free on Sundays.
There will be four convenient ways to pay:
- ParkRTC App
- Online at ParkRTC.com
- Use Your Phone to Call
- Pay Station (cash and credit card)
For more information on the ParkRTC system, please refer to the FAQs below.
ARE THERE ANY FREE PARKING, DISCOUNTS OR VALIDATION OPPORTUNITIES?
Garage parking on weekends (from 12:00 a.m. Saturday through 12:00 a.m. Monday) are free, as are major holidays, premier events and weekdays after 5:00 p.m.
Street parking is free only on Sundays and federal holidays.
FREE PARKING will be available on the following holidays and events through 2019 in both the Garages and the Street parking:
- MLK Day, January 21, 2019
- President’s Day, February 18, 2019
- Memorial Day, May 27, 2019
- Independence Day, July 4, 2019
- Labor Day, September 2, 2019
- Columbus Day, October 14, 2019
- Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2019
- Thanksgiving, November 28, 2019
- Reston Holiday Parade, November 29, 2019
- Christmas, December 25, 2019
- New Year’s Day, January 1, 2020
Additionally, convenient free, short-term parking spaces will be available near establishments such as FedEx, dry cleaners, food pick up and the CVS pharmacy.
Participating shops and restaurants, the fitness center and cinema will provide validation options. The validation numeric code will be given by participating retailers and can be entered into your ParkRTC application or the Credit Card Pay Stations in one of the four garages. Please see www.restontowncenter.com/parking or contact shops or restaurants directly for more information.
Additionally, retail staff will not be required to pay for parking.
HOW DO I USE MY VALIDATION?
You can only be validated if you started a parking session from the App, Credit Card Pay Station or the Mobile Pay Website. You cannot be validated if you choose the Cash Pay Station option or if you called 571-485-7790 to start your session. If you are eligible for parking validation, please ensure you take the following steps:
- Starting Parking Session.
- Shop/Dine/Enjoy, receive validation.
- From Active Session Screen, press Session Options, choose validations.
- Enter validation code.
- Press Continue.
WILL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS VALIDATE PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS?
Yes, participating shops and restaurants such as the fitness center and cinema will provide validation options in store. The validation numeric code that you receive can be entered directly into your ParkRTC application or the Credit Card Pay Station. Please see www.restontowncenter.com/parking/parking-validation or contact shops or restaurants directly for more information.
Please note that customers paying via the cash pay station or phone are not able to use validations.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RECEIVE PARKING VALIDATIONS?
You can only be validated if you started a parking session from the App, Credit Card Pay Station or the Mobile Pay Website. You cannot be validated if you choose the Cash Pay Station option or if you called 571-485-7790 to start your session. If you receive a validation, please take the following steps:
- Starting Parking Session.
- Shop/Dine/Enjoy, receive validation.
- From Active Session Screen, press Session Options, choose validations.
- Enter validation code.
- Press Continue.
Be sure to check which garage the retail establishment validates in before parking, a complete list is here: http://restontowncenter.com/parking/parking-validation/
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR PARKRTC?
You will have to complete a one-time registration process. By downloading the app through Google Play or the App Store, the links to which are provided at www.ParkRTC.com, you will be able to register for ParkRTC. To register, simply enter either a phone number or email address for verification. Depending on your selected method, a 3 digit code is then sent to you which is entered into the app. That’s it!
There’s no need for additional family members or out-of-town guests to register separately; you can add an unlimited number of vehicles to your account, including rental cars.
WILL THERE BE SHORT TERM STREET PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes, there will be short term street parking throughout Reston Town Center. For your ease, there are convenient free parking spaces near establishments such as FedEx, dry cleaners, food pick up and the CVS Pharmacy. Here is a map of the locations as well for your reference (link to map)
WILL I BE CHARGED FOR THE TIME IT TAKES ME TO PARK MY CAR?
No, your credit card will not be charged until your parking session has ended.
WHAT IS THE ENFORCEMENT POLICY FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS?
If you do not register with ParkRTC or initiate a parking session you will not be towed. The system will issue a notice that will be placed on your vehicle. If you choose not to register, your vehicle information will be recorded by the system and subject to future additional enforcement to include vehicle immobilization devices.
ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO PARKRTC MOBILE PAY PARKING?
While we encourage customers to take advantage of free parking on weekends, week nights after 5:00 pm, major events, and holidays, Reston Town Center also has bicycle parking and public transportation systems close by. More information is available at www.linkinfo.org.
Reston Town Center has partnered with Fairfax County to place a Capital Bikeshare location within Reston Town Center at the corner of Library St. and Freedom Dr. We also plan to continue to add additional bicycle parking throughout Reston Town Center.
WILL MY LICENSE PLATE AND PAYMENT INFORMATION BE SECURE?
Yes. ParkRTC, solely hosted by Passport Parking, Inc., will keep all details secure in accordance with the privacy policy, which can be found in the ParkRTC app. More information about Passport Parking, Inc. can be found at www.passportinc.com.
Security Privacy Fact Sheet: Mobile Pay Parking Privacy & Security Fact Sheet
CAN I PURCHASE A MONTHLY PASS?
Yes, on-site staff will help roll out this easy to use program for purchase of monthly passes or online wallets. Monthly passes will be available for purchase for $70.00 a month. You can purchase your monthly passes at https://rtcpermits.rmcpay.com.
WHY SHOULD I DOWNLOAD THE PARKRTC APP?
Customers are encouraged to register their license plate and payment information for Reston Town Center’s new parking system for a more convenient parking experience. Only a one-time registration is needed. When customers download the app, they will then be able to pay for their parking from the comfort of their vehicle or extend their parking session remotely. There will be no need to visit a pay station, as the fee will be automatically charged to their designated credit card at the end of the parking session. Multiple license plates and credit cards may be added into your account when using the ParkRTC app.
HOW DOES THE NEW PARKING SYSTEM WORK?
The new system is a gateless, ticketless parking system based on license plate recognition. Customers can create a ParkRTC account through a one-time registration. Upon entry, customers can locate an available parking space using the green and red light indicators. Upon parking, the system will read the license plate and the customer must initiate a parking session.
Customers who have parked will have four ways to initiate their parking session:
- ParkRTC App
- Online at ParkRTC.com
- Use Your Phone
- Pay Station (cash and credit card)
When leaving the garage, customers can proceed directly to the exit.
I’M AN EMPLOYEE WHO WORKS IN RTC, DO I NEED THE PARKRTC APP?
If you are a monthly parker and permit holder, you do not need to download the app. Please contact your office manager for any additional questions.
ARE ALL AREAS OF RESTON TOWN CENTER PART OF THE PARKRTC PARKING SYSTEM?
Yes, all parking garages and street parking spaces will be equipped and monitored with the same technology through the ParkRTC system.
WILL THERE BE GATE ARMS?
No. ParkRTC is a state of the art, virtual system that leverages the latest technology to provide secure parking controls without gate arms.
WHAT IS RESTON TOWN CENTER DOING TO PROMOTE BICYCLE USE??
While we encourage customers to take advantage of free parking on weekends, major events, and holidays, Reston Town Center also has bicycle parking and public transportation systems close by. More information is available at www.linkinfo.org.
Reston Town Center has partnered with Fairfax County to place a Capital Bikeshare location within Reston Town Center when their program which launched October 2016. This bike station can be found on Library Street by the Purple Garage. We also plan to continue to add additional bicycle parking throughout Reston Town Center.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE PARKRTC SYSTEM?
After the one-time registration, you can:
- Easily pay for parking from the comfort and safety of your vehicle
- Receive notification that your parking session will expire shortly
- Extend your parking session remotely – no need to run to feed a meter!
- Avoid the need to stop and pay when exiting the garage
- Eliminate the need for paper tickets to display on dashboard
- View and print receipts and history online
- Streamline entry and exit
- List multiple license plates and payment methods on one ParkRTC account
- Receive shopping-related discounts or validation from retailers
- Lower emissions and reduce fuel consumption due to decreased time looking for spots
WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE RESTON TOWN CENTER PARKING GARAGES?
Reston Town Center has introduced the country’s most advanced parking system, ParkRTC. The parking initiative also includes a parking guidance system that supports an improved customer parking experience by having:
- License plate recognition to determine vehicle occupancy within each space
- LED-based space indicators which change color to reflect the status of the parking space
- Electronic display boards to indicate the direction and quantity of available parking spaces
- Online space counts in real-time and on site signage which is updated as space availability changes
- Additional pedestrian signage to guide customers to shopping and dining options
IF I UTILIZE RESIDENTIAL PARKING, HOW DO I HANDLE GUEST PARKING?
Reston Town Center does not manage the residential designated parking areas. Please contact your HOA manager for further information.
ARE MY TAXES OR ASSOCIATION FEES PAYING FOR THIS SYSTEM?
No, Reston Town Center is privately funded by ownership, Boston Properties.
WHY IS PARKRTC BEING INTRODUCED AT RESTON TOWN CENTER?
The continued development of Reston Town Center has seen growth as a community and a commuter destination and there is an opportunity to utilize the latest in technology to provide the best car parking experience for our customers. Reston Town Center has designed this state of the art system to ease congestion, lower emissions and fuel consumption, streamline entry and exits, and enable customers to locate parking spaces more easily.
WHAT IF I HAVE A DISABLED PLACARD OR PLATE?
Customers with a DMV-issued disabled placard or permit will be able to park in designated parking spots both on-street and in the parking garages. Parking rates apply.
WILL MY LICENSE PLATE AND CREDIT CARD NUMBER BE KEPT SECURE?
Yes. ParkRTC solely hosted by Passport Parking, Inc. will keep all details secure in accordance with their privacy policy, which can be found online when the system goes live. More information about Passport Parking, Inc. can be found on at www.passportinc.com.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE A CREDIT CARD?
You can use the Pay Stations on site. Please note, Pay Stations accept exact change only and validations do not apply via this pay station.
HOW DO MOTORCYCLE RIDERS PAY?
Motorcycle riders who have parked will pay the fee in one of four ways:
- ParkRTC App
- Online at ParkRTC.com
- Use Your Phone
- Pay Station (cash and credit card)
There is currently motorcycle parking in the Green, Purple, and Orange Garages, but motorcycles can park in any garage space available. There is no discount for motorcycle parking.
WHAT CONSULTATION HAS TAKEN PLACE?
Reston Town Center is a unique environment that operates as an urban mixed use environment. This is also known as “Second City”. In order to preserve the parking rights of our visitors and at the same time enhance our customer’s experience, we extensively researched all options and identified the ParkRTC model. Reston Town Center has been reviewing customer recommendations and feedback for several years, especially concerns about the availability of parking spaces during busy shopping periods.
WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY CREDIT CARD, TRANSACTION AND/OR PROCESSING FEES ON TOP OF THE STATED PARKING RATES WHEN PAYING FOR PARKING?
No. Boston Properties will pay for all of these fees.