CPS Parking

Beware the O’Hare Blue Line parking lot at Harlem and Higgins. I parked there on the afternoon of Nov. 6. I followed the prompts to pay for my parking spot in #37 and was fumbling around for a $ 5 bill when the machine auto-​corrected back to 01 because I didn’t pay quickly enough, but I didn’t notice until I finished the transaction. So I had a valid receipt to park, but the wrong space was identified and a car was already parked in 01 so I couldn’t switch spaces. There was a CTA maintenance worker in the lot and, foolish me, I thought he could be of help. He told me I was fine so long as I had a valid receipt on display on my dash.
Wrong. When I came back to the lot at around 11 p.m. (my wife and I had gone out after she got off work at the Harold Washington Library for our anniversary and caught Once Upon a Dream) the car was gone. After calling the number posted on the sign in the lot, we found it had been towed by A-​1 for being in an expired slot and would cost us $ 200 to get it out.
Human error was a factor here… do not ask a CTA employee for any kind of help. Ever. When you are parking in a CPS lot, have the correct change on hand and be prepared to act fast. There are no assistants to help so you are totally on your own. And A-​1 is tow happy… they don’t check the receipts on the dash. Even if you are paid up, if you are off on the stall #, you get towed. Yes, it’s a rip off. A ticket I can see… a $ 200 tow should be the very last resort.

These guys are the biggest lies, cheats, crooks ever. At least three times have I lost money in one of their parking machines at the Lake-​Cook station in Deerfield, and each time I’ve complained, and each time they’ve promised a refund. Well, I haven’t gotten shit from them other than a massive headache. They could give shit one if you lose your money, knowing that you have no alternative if you have to park and ride. Contacting the BBB did nothing either. Don’t even know why I’m bothering with a Unilocal review, as if this would stop people from using them. Even I must because, as I said, what choice do I have? Scumbags!

This review is for the CTA Orange Line Kedzie parking lot, which is managed by CPS Parking.
On July 17, 2012 at 7:37am, I parked in stall #45, which is located right by the enterance along the tracks. Upon my arrival back to my vehicle at 7:00pm, I find that someone had slipped under my vehicle and stole my catalytic converter.
I should have known better! That lot has a long history of insignificantly security and maintenance and perpetal break-​ins. Furthermore, In May of 2012, they lowered thier price from $ 4 to $ 2. Perhaps the crime rate is the primary reason for the low parking attendance and the falling sales of that lot.
I contacted CPS Parking but is still waiting for a reason, which I doubt I will recieve.
Never the less., I am never going to utilizing at parking lot until adequate security measure are implemented, and will advise everyone I know to do so as well.
SO, AVOID THIS PARKING LOT. You have a better chance parking on the street.

I lost my ticket on the way back to my car after paying. I had had a validated tickiet becasue i was taking a Spanish class at Instituto Cervantes next door (they have a reduced parking agreement with CPS). Although I had a receipt that proved I paid and proof of enrollment at the Institutuo, they would not negotiate for any less than the maximum of $ 35. The cashier threatened to call police when I asked to speak to a supervisor. Finallhy, the cashier gave me a name and number to call, and although I left numerous messages, my phone calls were not returned (as promised by CPS staff taking the messages), I think it could have been a win-​win situration, but CPS did not seeme insterested in positive customer relations.

After sending my complaint through corporate I finally got my refund. Huzzah! I also noticed that the pay stations in the Rosemont lot explicitly state that refunds will no longer be given so make sure you have exact change.

UPDATE: A manager and customer service representative resolved my issue quickly and professionally. I am actually impressed.
I had a horrible customer service experience with the book keeper about a billing issue. Her name is Keita. Even though another employee had told me she was able to cancel my account for me because I am moving, she refused to assist me and made me go through the online system, and even though it is going to charge me for an entire month of parking I won’t be using, she didn’t care. Really shameful Keita.

Followed a friend in to the garage at Madison and Wells so they could return a rental car to the Hertz lot on the fourth level. Most garages in the area allow less than 5 minute stays, but was prepared to pay the $ 6.00 fee for parking for less than 20 minutes.
Dropped the car off. Went to exit. The charge was $ 14.00 — despite the signage to the contrary. Was told the flat weekend /​night rate «supersedes» the $ 6.00 20 minute rate by the disembodied «assistance» button person.
RIP OFF.
Standard Parking is a much better company. I will be seeking their garages in the future.
AVOID CPS GARAGES.

I was downtown a few weeks back to see a client. I parked in one of CPS’s garages. To exit you have to pay at the little kiosk thingy first. So my charge for parking came to $ 6. I put in a $ 20 and wait for my change. The machine sputters and spits out a $ 5 bill. uuhhhh, wait a second, I think, there should be more than this!
So I stand there, pushing the «assistance» button for what seems like forever with no response, until I see a little sign that says I only have ten minutes from the time I pay to the time I exit. Needless to say I am rippin mad because I think I just got royally ripped off. I drive out lamenting the loss of my $ 9.
I go home and send an email to the company half-​heartedly, not really expecting a response. But the next day, not only does someone write me from corporate, but the manager of that garage writes me! They are very apologetic and tell me the money slot got jammed and they would be very happy to send me my change! Are they serious! What!
And heres the best part — THEY DID. Not 5 days later I get a check in the mail. I am truly stunned.
A PARKING company that is this concerned about customer service and stands by their word? Man, in this day and age I gotta give major props to that. You go with your bad self CPS. You can bet I will be looking for your garages in the future. I would love to be able to give business to a company that goes the extra mile for me and my dinky Honda.