And yet, there are many who would consider the current situation as the "free market" and higher parking fees as "socialism" and an unacceptable restriction on freedom

@giulio_mattioli It is very simple:

Free public transit = socialism
Parking fees = rip-off

@giulio_mattioli so you know of any index comparing the cost of rent per square meter in cities vs the cost of parking in the same city? I've seen a few comparisons for various cities now, and I'm curious