Complaints are many about the new parking fees, but Wu Hongyang supports the policy. He's the Deputy Director of China Urban Sustainable Transportation Research Center.

Wu Hongyang, Deputy Director of Urban Sustainable Transport Research Center, said, "Previously, compared to the rate in other major cities, such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, the parking fees in Beijing were not high. The low transport cost drove many people to buy cars. The recent adjustment is a good way to adjust the choice of transport means by price leverage."

Wu says reasonable transport costs should be about 8 percent of disposable income, and that's the range for most Beijinger. Still ...

Wei Peng, IT Staff Member, said, "I used to spend 300 a month for parking. Now it will go up to a thousand. The cost of living is surging, which is pressure."

"I suggest these people choose the bus, as bus tickets in Beijing are very cheap, about 1 yuan, or 4 jiao with a transport card." Wu Hongyang said.

Some people say even with the high cost of parking, they're still having a hard time finding a space.

Zhang Hairong, Medical Worker, said, "Sometimes, it's really difficult, and you may have to drive a big circle to get a spot."

"Parking lot standards used to be too low. But in the last 10 years, the number of vehicles has increased markedly, and demand is much higher than supply." Wu Hongyang said.

Wu Hongyang suggests the government upgrade the standards for parking lots and build multi-story ones to make the best use of land. Strengthening the public transport system would also help.

"It seems there will be a metro station around my building in the government's plans. I just hope it can be built soon." Wei peng told us.

Wu Hongyang points out it's tough to balance different interest groups and coordinate different departments to enact new policies. So it's likely to be some time before people find it quick and easy to get around Beijing.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments