madridโฃ Launches Discounted Parking pilot Program to Encourage Carpooling
Startingโค December 1st, drivers heading to three centrally located Madrid car parks can benefit from a 15% discount if their vehicle has at least two โฃoccupants.This initiative, spearheaded by the Madrid City Council, aims to reduce private carโ traffic, especially during the busy Christmas season when the city welcomesโฃ a surge of visitors.
The participating carโค parks are located on Avenida โde 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 โคis operated by Empark S.A.โ
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:โฃ โฌ2.83 per hour at the EMT-managed car parks and โฌ2.50 per hour at the Empark-managed Plaza del Carmenโ car โpark.
The City Council intends to analyze the pilot programS effectiveness over the coming months, evaluating the technology, theโค impact on traffic volume, and publicโค reception. Should the results prove positive,expansion to other municipal car parks and districts is a possibility.
This measure aligns wiht the Madrid Cityโค Council’s broader commitment to environmentalโฃ sustainability,โค including the implementation of HOV lanes, new bus lanes in the Central district, and restrictions on vehicles lacking an โคenvironmental label or those classified as low emission. The councilโ believes initiatives like this can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient urban environment.