madrid Launches Discounted Parking pilot Program to Encourage Carpooling
Starting December 1st, drivers heading to three centrally located Madrid car parks can benefit from a 15% discount if their vehicle has at least two occupants.This initiative, spearheaded by the Madrid City Council, aims to reduce private car traffic, especially during the busy Christmas season when the city welcomes a surge of visitors.
The participating car parks are located on Avenida de Portugal, Plaza del Carmen, and Pedro Zerolo. The Avenida de Portugal and Pedro Zerolo car parks are managed by the Municipal Transport Company (EMT),while Plaza del Carmen is operated by Empark S.A.
This project utilizes artificial intelligence to verify the number of passengers in each vehicle. AI-equipped cameras at the car park entrances will automatically count occupants, granting the 15% discount upon payment. Drivers traveling alone will be charged the standard parking rates: €2.83 per hour at the EMT-managed car parks and €2.50 per hour at the Empark-managed Plaza del Carmen car park.
The City Council intends to analyze the pilot programS effectiveness over the coming months, evaluating the technology, the impact on traffic volume, and public reception. Should the results prove positive,expansion to other municipal car parks and districts is a possibility.
This measure aligns wiht the Madrid City Council’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability, including the implementation of HOV lanes, new bus lanes in the Central district, and restrictions on vehicles lacking an environmental label or those classified as low emission. The council believes initiatives like this can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient urban environment.