The City of Tacoma announced today it will implement changes to the new parking pay station system in downtown Tacoma. Beginning Sat., Dec. 4, the following changes take effect:

— On Saturdays, buy 2 hours and you can park all day. Patrons will be able to purchase all day parking on Saturday at each pay station for just $1.50. Users can still purchase less than two hours of time when needed, but they will not get the all day parking benefit. This is a pilot program;

— Users can now pre-purchase time for parking the next day beginning at 8 p.m. This change will allow more patrons to purchase time and display their receipt before enforcement begins on the following morning;

— Until Jan. 30, 2011, there will be no fee for parking on portions of Market Street from South 11th to South 21st streets. During this period, the City will collect parking data to assess parking demand and turnover in support of local businesses. The City will enforce the 90-minute time limit.

If you are interested in the future of parking in downtown Tacoma, the Parking Management Advisory Task Force seeks new members to participate in the decision and recommendation making for the downtown parking system. The current duties include the recently introduced paid on-street parking program, but it may grow to include the City’s off-street parking facilities. There is a current need for residential participation, owners/managers of commercial properties and restaurant operators. Interested persons with these qualities are invited to complete the application for further consideration by the task force and approval by the city manager. To obtain an application, visit http://www.tacomaparking.com .