PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO — The Puerto Vallarta City Council has approved a call for bids for the installation of parking meters in several of the city’s busiest areas. The move aims to improve mobility, encourage greater turnover of vehicles in high-demand zones, and reduce congestion on local streets.
According to the Council’s announcement, the new parking meters will be introduced in the Historic Center, the Romantic Zone, the Versalles neighborhood, and Marina Vallarta. The system will charge a toll fee aligned with the Municipal Revenue Law for 2025. Local residents will receive a benefit of one free parking space per home.
“The primary objective is to facilitate a better flow of vehicles and open up more parking spaces for locals and visitors alike,” explained a spokesperson from the City Council. “We believe virtual smart meters will significantly enhance the parking experience, while also contributing to a more organized city center.”
Under the approved scheme, the parking meter service concession will be valid for 15 years. Municipal officials anticipate that this initiative will not only improve parking availability but also generate additional revenue for city projects and public services.
In a vote conducted by the City Council, 12 members backed the proposal, while 4 abstained. The simple majority outcome greenlights the procurement process and sets in motion the timeline for interested private companies to submit their bids.
Beyond parking matters, the City Council also approved the technical and legal analysis for a possible new tourism initiative. This proposal includes installing a Ferris wheel, a Venetian carousel, public restrooms, and a soda fountain in designated municipal spaces. If implemented, these attractions would come at no expense to the public treasury, thanks to a loan agreement with private investors.
“A Ferris wheel and Venetian carousel could become major draws for both tourists and locals,” said a local business leader following the meeting. “We’re excited to see the city exploring new projects that could enhance our tourism offerings.”
City officials have emphasized that any final agreement will be subject to careful review, particularly with regard to safety, environmental impact, and municipal regulations.
With the approval of both the smart parking meter system and the prospective tourism installations, Puerto Vallarta appears poised for notable changes aimed at better infrastructure and an enhanced visitor experience. As the bidding process for the parking concession and the technical evaluations for the new attractions continue, residents and business owners can expect more details and a clearer implementation timeline in the coming months.
