HOUSTON – Downtown Houston drivers shocked by high parking fees now may have some recourse. A California-based parking company, Metropolis, which manages several parking garages and lots in Houston, is under fire for allegedly tricking drivers into paying exorbitant fees.
The company, already the focus of a KPRC 2 investigation last summer, is now at the center of a proposed class-action lawsuit.
Last August, KPRC 2 exposed numerous complaints about Metropolis, specifically related to a garage on Franklin in downtown Houston. Customers reached out to Investigative Reporter Amy Davis after they were charged fees much higher than what was advertised. One customer was charged $26.25 after parking, even though the sign indicated a $5 rate for 12 hours on weekends. Although Metropolis refunded the customers we featured in the initial investigation, complaints kept pouring in.
Now, a Houston law firm has filed a lawsuit to stop the company from charging unfair parking fees. According to Alex Brown from The Lanier Law Firm, “We expect this is happening every day at every one of these centers.”
The Metropolis business model
Metropolis operates over 4,000 locations across North America, managing billions of dollars in parking fees each year. The company uses AI technology to handle parking transactions. Most of the garages have no attendants or gates; instead, drivers scan a QR code to pay, while cameras capture their license plates.
But many drivers are shocked when they receive much higher charges than expected. Several complaints came from drivers whose initial fees of $10 turned into $81, or $17 charges that morphed into $68.
Disputing parking garage charges is difficult
Because of the AI-driven system, disputing these charges can be challenging. Alex Brown commented: “It’s really outrageous. I can understand how new technology might have glitches, but that’s not what this is.”
The lawsuit argues that Metropolis makes more money from fines than parking fees, using tactics like threatening to boot or tow cars to coerce payment.
- Metropolis claims on its website to be the largest parking operator in North America.
- Drivers should be aware that rates can change, and often the only way to see the current rate is after scanning the QR code inside the garage.
- The lawsuit is seeking to end these alleged practices, but it could take months or even years before any resolution.
A Metropolis spokesperson says they can’t comment on pending litigation, but they did send us this statement:
We are committed to continually enhancing our member experience and that includes our customer service. Of the eight issues mentioned over the past 12 months, which represent significantly less than 1% of parking transactions with Metropolis in Houston, we are happy to report that all have been resolved to our customers’ satisfaction. Of course, if any issues arise, our customer service team can be reached at help@metropolis.io for a prompt response and resolution.
In the meantime, be cautious about where you park. Multiple complaints have also been filed about the Metropolis-managed garage at Texas Women’s Hospital on Fannin.
Do you have a problem or question for Amy Davis? Email ADavis@kprc.com.