The only problem with Union Station? Parking, travelers say

Union Station has a lot of advantages over the old train station, but some train passengers say there's a big disadvantage -- no more free parking.

Darryl Thompson, who visited Union Station recently to drop off his mom and aunt to pick up a train to DC, loves the new building -- except for the parking.

"It's excellent, it's a very welcoming facility," he said. "You have a train station, but you still have no parking!"

At the old Cabarrus Street station, there were a few dozen free spots in the lot as well as on-street options. Union Station has some two-hour, short-term spaces. They're free right now but eventually will cost $1 an hour.

If you want to leave your vehicle overnight, you can do so across the street at The Dillon parking deck -- but it costs $18 a day.

Michael Moore, the city's transportation director, explained why people now have to pay. "Things are different, things change," said Moore. "It's part of the evolution of a city. We see most people come and get dropped off, though."

That's what Thompson was doing -- dropping off his family members. He agrees that Raleigh is changing, but he says he's going to miss the free parking.

"Some things have to remain the same -- you have to provide parking," he said.

Kane Realty, the developer behind The Dillon, explained why its parking rates are significantly higher than other decks in that part of downtown. The company says it set the rates in partnership with the city and, due to it being a newly constructed deck and current construction costs, the higher rate was the necessary rate.

The deck at The Dillon is the closest to Raleigh Union Station, but other decks are available within walking distance, the city says. For example, the Municipal Building parking deck is a few blocks away and offers parking for $12 a day.  The city also says GoRaleigh transit service offers multiple routes that stop at Raleigh Union Station.

Take a peek inside The Dillon in downtown Raleigh