Last spring, the city introduced hourly fees for the once free parking spaces surrounding Riverside Park. Officials anticipated that charging for parking would deter casual visits, yet, in the three months after the policy, foot traffic counters at park entrances recorded a significant increase in visitors. Merchants on the park's edge also reported higher weekend sales tied to park goers. Nothing about the park's attractions changed during this period, and public transit service remained the same.
Which of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent contradiction?
- The city launched an advertising campaign highlighting the park's historical exhibits.
- Revenue from the new fees will fund tree planting in the park next year.
- Before the change, commuters occupied most spaces all day; the new fees deterred them, freeing spots for park visitors. (correct answer)
- A nearby museum closed for renovations during the same period.
- The new parking fee was small compared to rates in nearby private garages.
Explanation: If commuters had been tying up spaces, the fee freeing them for park users would increase park visits despite the charge. The other options do not directly link the fee to increased access for park goers or fail to address the parking bottleneck.