Tennessee Attorney General Secures Settlement with Metropolis Parking to Stop Deceptive Practices and Provide Free Parking Program

Today, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced a settlement with Metropolis Technologies, Inc. (Metropolis), ending a years-long investigation by the Attorney General’s Office into the private parking company. Metropolis will pay $8.75 million to cover consumer refunds, litigation costs, and a free parking program. Metropolis will also be required to implement numerous changes to its business practices to promote transparency and protect consumers.

Two years ago, the Attorney General’s Office launched its investigation into Metropolis following more than one hundred consumer complaints about unclear pricing and inadequate signage at Metropolis parking lots, as well as misleading communications about parking fees and violation notices. The investigation revealed that Metropolis misled consumers about its prices with inaccurate signs, charged surprise fees due to technology glitches, made obtaining refunds nearly impossible, and created confusion with notices that looked like government bills. To date, the Office has received over 300 complaints related to Metropolis.

“Tennesseans work hard for their money, and when they park, they deserve a clear price up front and no shenanigans with bogus charges and stonewalling customer service,” said Attorney General Skrmetti. “My office is here to protect consumers and hold companies accountable, and this is exactly the type of situation where we need to step in. I’m proud of the work of my consumer team and glad that Metropolis has agreed to make things right. If the company does not follow through and do right by Tennessee consumers, we stand ready to take further action.”

In addition to funding consumer refunds, under the settlement, Metropolis will:

• Create and implement the Tennessee Parking Program, which will provide $2.25 million in credits for free parking sessions for eligible Tennessee consumers;
• Display clear signage with accurate rates at every lot entrance, showing current active rates and the customer support phone number;
• Send text messages with rates upon entry to lots that use license plate reader technology;
• Never charge more than what is posted on the signage;
• Give consumers a 15-minute grace period to enter and exit with no charge in lots using license plate reader technology;
• Stop implying affiliation with any local or state agency in electronic or mailed notices;
• Comply with all state and local booting regulations;
• Automatically issue refunds where their technology malfunctions and wrongfully charges a consumer; and
• Evaluate each refund request individually.

Tennessee consumers can be on the lookout for two things: Tennessee Parking Program: If you have Tennessee plates and park for an individual parking session at participating Metropolis lots in Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis, you’re eligible for up to $30 in free parking credits. Metropolis will notify eligible parkers via email.

Refunds for past overcharges: If you paid for parking at a Metropolis lot between July 1, 2021, and January 6, 2026, and believe you were overcharged, you may be eligible for a refund. Attorney General Skrmetti will announce how to file a claim as soon as details are available.