Burlington, Vermont, offers free parking to boost downtown foot traffic

Burlington, Vermont, is offering two hours of free parking in downtown garages and on-street locations on select days as part of a city initiative to support local businesses affected by ongoing Main Street construction. The free parking is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for street parking via the ParkMobile app, and in the downtown garage Monday through Saturday, with Sundays and city holidays remaining entirely free. City officials hope these incentives will boost midweek and weekend foot traffic to shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area. The promotion lasts until May 8 and is part of broader efforts to encourage residents and visitors to continue patronizing downtown businesses despite construction-related disruptions. Resources and maps for parking options are available on the city's parking website. The program is a response to reduced traffic and challenges facing businesses during the extensive construction period.