In order to promote and encourage the use of public transport, parking fees for areas of Beijing shall be raised.
The Municipal Committee of Development and Reform announced that as from April 1, 2010, the highest parking fees would be raised to 10 RMB per hour. Such fees such apply to areas including railway stations and business districts. Underground parking shall be priced at 6 RMB per hour.
The new pricing scheme is based on the promotion of two policies. The first, being to reduce the amount of traffic on Beijing’s busy roads, and the second, to encourage the use of public transport.
The fees are very reasonable, if comparisons are made with other capital cities. Westminster City Council in London for example places a maximum charge of 2.50 pounds per hour, which equates to 27.28 RMB. Other privately owned car parks impose much higher fees. Additionally, Monday through to Friday between the hours 07.00 and 18.00, motorists are required to pay an 8.00 pound (87.28 RMB) daily charge, labelled the Congestion Charge to drive through areas of central London. Since the implementation of the Congestion Charge scheme, traffic has reduced by 21%, there has been a 6% in the number of bus passengers, and 137 million pounds has been raised during 2007 – 2008 to be invested back into improving London’s transport infrastructure.
Beijing operates a fantastic public transport network. Line 4 was the newest introduction to the existing subway network, with further lines planned to be introduced in the coming years. The public transport provides for low-priced and extremely efficient travel.