Bengaluru Metro Proposes New Parking To Curb Private Vehicle Use, Boost Public Transport In Bengaluru

Bengaluru Metro's draft parking policy introduces significant changes aimed at improving parking management at metro stations, prioritising commuters, and encouraging public transport use.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to link Metro travel cards with station parking charges, imposing penalties on those who park but do not use the Metro.

The draft policy notes that many non-Metro commuters, such as those who own businesses near Metro stations, use station parking spaces, leaving fewer spots for actual Metro users. This forces commuters to park on the street, exacerbating traffic congestion.

To address this, the policy suggests that by limiting station parking to Metro users, it would encourage more people to use public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles. "If non-Metro users are prohibited from parking, it would discourage private vehicle use, incentivising the Metro as a more convenient option for reaching the area," the policy states. It also highlights the need for regulations ensuring that parking spots are reserved exclusively for Metro riders.

BMRCL has invited public feedback on the draft policy, which is open for comments until 18 October 2024. The policy aims to identify stations suitable for park-and-ride facilities, manage parking efficiently, and ensure the safety of both commuters and their vehicles. It also calls for reserving parking for specific user groups, enforcing charges, and using technology to monitor parking spaces, according to The Hindu report.

The draft policy suggests partnering with startups and private companies to resolve parking issues at Metro stations. It encourages these entities to develop creative technology solutions that optimise parking management. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are also recommended as a way to bring in expertise and investment.

For stations with limited parking space, BMRCL proposes collaborations with nearby businesses like shopping malls and hotels to share their parking facilities with Metro commuters. The policy also promotes the use of smart technology, such as real-time parking availability updates via the Namma Metro app and LED displays at stations.

Addressing Poor Last-Mile Connectivity

The draft policy acknowledges that many private vehicle users are hesitant to switch to the Metro due to poor last-mile connectivity. Despite the Metro’s extensive 73.8 km network, which serves a daily ridership of 7.5 lakh, the lack of effective feeder services and pedestrian infrastructure poses challenges.

The policy emphasises the need for better last-mile connectivity solutions, including identifying stations with strong potential for park-and-ride facilities and proposing multi-level parking hubs at key transit locations. These changes aim to alleviate on-street parking problems, reduce traffic congestion, and improve overall road capacity near Metro stations in Bengaluru.