Authorities are mulling over plans for "smart" garages in a bid to alleviate Saigon's congested parking problem.
Investors have made a series of proposal to the Department of Transport to further develop parking infrastructure in the city’s concentrated areas, reports Tuoi Tre.
According to the proposals, nine semi-automated parking lots will be built near Saigon's major hospitals, where commuters often struggle with “no vacancy” situations.
Specifically, the company En-Parking Japan proposed to build four multistory automated garages at Lam Son Square, 23/9, Tao Dan and Le Van Tam Parks. Lam Son Square, for one, will turn into a nine-story, 1,140sqm building that can accommodate 130 cars. Meanwhile, Tao Dan and Le Van Tam Park will have enough space for 144 cars each.
The “smart” garage solutions will come with a sensor system that can display information about availability status. Some will also be able to automatically arrange the vehicles at the convenience of the drivers.
And, because they are modular steel parking lots, experts estimate that they can be assembled in only six or seven months.
Private developers will implement these "smart" parking projects, reports the news source. Over time, developers should be able to break even by charging fees and placing advertisement in the building.
Saigon has previously considered underground parking solutions, but many projects failed to gain traction with investors due to the city’s same-price regulation.
[Photo via EveryChina]
