Question: Reader Lorraine Zabel wanted us to know about a bad parking experience her sister Linda Smith had at the Tacoma Dome Station. She forwarded a letter from Linda to Diamond Parking Services protesting a $25 ticket she received for violating the parking stall line. She doesn’t dispute that she parked over the line, but takes issue with how the rules are being enforced.

Here’s a portion of Linda’s letter:

“This was not a crowded floor; there were multiple empty stalls. Also, a warning notice would have worked as well. Was this not considered? This appears to be a sly, underhanded ruse to collect additional fees. Where were the signs that stated you would be fined if you were parked outside the stall lines? I saw no signs on the long wall that mentioned this, nor did I see a fee schedule posted. A fee of $25.00 seems excessive.”

Answer: Pierce Transit spokesman Lars Erickson got back to us with these responses.

Who decides the fine and how is it enforced?

Pierce Transit contracts with Diamond Parking to manage parking operations at the Tacoma Dome Station. Pierce Transit determines the fine and enforcement procedures. It is our policy to cite vehicles when a wheel is completely over a line.

Where are the rules posted, or are they?

Signs requesting users follow the rules are posted at every entrance and at four locations throughout the facility. We are developing signage with more specific information than what currently is posted.

What is the justification behind the rules and what would appear to be zero tolerance for breaking them?

We feel it is important to enforce the rules to ensure there is adequate parking available for transit users and to ensure personal and vehicle safety. Pierce Transit strongly urges anyone who feels they have received a citation in error, or have any questions about parking regulations, to directly contact Diamond Parking at 1-800-828-4197, or 251-383-5825.

Does Diamond Parking keep the fines, or are they shared with Pierce Transit?

Fines are split between Pierce Transit (approximately 20 percent) and Sound Transit (approximately 80 percent). Pierce Transit pays Diamond Parking a flat monthly fee of $2,000 to manage parking operations. Diamond Parking has no financial incentive, nor have they been instructed by Pierce Transit or Sound Transit, to seek out violations.

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