It seems to me that the Philadelphia Parking Authority is a disaster. What is wrong with them?

Question

On the 3 occasions that I have dealt with them I have encountered nothing but utter confusion amongst the employees, disorganization and a lack of communication between offices.

Answer 1

Good Question and statement.  If your revenue depended solely on fines, penalties, impoundment, selling unclaimed vehicles because poor people could not come up with the fines and storage money, if you kept adding employees just to please politicians, if you entered a business (taxi business), and tried to run it knowing nothing about it, if, if, if

Answer 2

Unlike most government agencies, the PPA isn't accountable to anyone. The House Appropriation Committee rubber stamps their budget, and that's about it. The local Mayor has no say so, the Governor has no real authority over them. And the people who the PPA tickets has no voice what so ever.  The PPA can raise taxi fares at it's leisure, along with fines and fees on these poverty stricken workers, who are mostly first generation immigrants. The PPA is suppose to give the city and school system part of their revenue each year, but they give what they like.  Their staff are hired to compensate the political connected. these are some of the reasons that this agency is so far out of touch with the people of Philadelphia.    

Answer 3

A shining example of city government after 8 years of neglect, similar to what has happened with our federal government. Thankfully at the local level, change has occurred (new Mayor)  but it will take time to unravel all of the damage.