Parking, Permits and Patience

Anyone on the wait list for a permit to park at one of Fairfield’s train stations might have more luck waiting for Godot.

It’s expected that spaces will free up at the town’s two existing stations once the Fairfield Metro Center opens. But more supply just means more demand. There are nearly 4,000 applicants for the 1,500 spaces. But only about 400 people are moved off the list each year.

“Some people have been on the waiting list since 2006,” said First Selectman Michael Tetreau.

It will be first-come first-served to a degree. That is, those already possessing a permit for either the existing Fairfield or Southport station, but want to switch, will get first dibs.

Right now, there are about 1,192 parking spaces for permit holders at both the Fairfield and Southport stations, according to the Fairfield Parking Authority. There are about 2,125 permits issued for these spots. 

There are more permits than spots because the Fairfield Parking Authority overbooks; not everyone needs a space the same day. However, even with overbooking, the wait list would still be long, Tetreau said.

Permits for the 1,900 spaces at the downtown station are $340 annually. Permits for the 142 spaces in Southport are $230 a year. In addition, there are about 147 Day Parking spots, costing $6 per day to park there, no permit needed. 

Those wanting parking permits for Fairfield Metro Center will need to apply directly to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. It hasn’t yet been determined when they will begin accepting applications or how much an annual permit will cost.

“Our team is exploring every option for securing funds to complete this project. We are talking to the State DOT about parking revenue options,” Tetreau wrote in his Fairfield Metro Center update, recently posted on Patch. 

During a recent business walk around town, state Rep. Kim Fawcett (D-133) joked that she was glad she wouldn’t have to take calls from people seeking a spot.

“I wouldn’t want to be the one answering those calls,” Fawcett said.

Fares for FMC will be the same as the Fairfield Center station rate: $14.25 one way, $308 monthly, according to the Fairfield Parking Authority.

Those seeking permits for any of the stations, including FMC, are encouraged to go online to www.fairfieldct.org/rail.htm or call the parking authority.

In about eight days, Tetreau will be presenting further findings to the Board of Selectmen. It’s taken a lot of volunteer work from a lot of people to get answers, Tetreau said.

“People have been working pretty outrageous hours to help the town understand more about what’s going on,” Tetreau said. “If we had been given all the information, there might not be the concern now because everybody would have been aware of the issues. None of the studies done would change the situation – the soil would still need to be removed, for example. But there wouldn’t have been the surprise.”