"I believe those signs are designed to confuse the consumer," Ryan said. "Often when you are parking, you’re running out of time, so you think 'OK, I’m going to choose this lot to get where I need to go.' Only then to find out that the cost is nothing like what you thought it was. And there's no one around to ask any questions to, that’s for sure.

"It's a classic bait and switch. It’s not a welcoming way to be greeted in the City of Buffalo."

A person who answered the phone at Pay2Park said he was not authorized to comment on the matter. A spokesman could not be reached.

Ryan also decried how private lot owners can tow vehicles, or immobilize them via boots, at great cost to consumers.

"People park in lots that aren’t clearly marked, and then come back only to find their car has either been towed, or booted," Ryan said. "Get this: The cost to get the boot off your car in the City of Buffalo, is $150 in cash. If that’s not an extortionate predatory practice, I don’t know what is."

Wallace, whose district includes Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Depew and Sloan, said she supported the bill on behalf of suburban residents who work or spend time in Buffalo.