Suwon's Public Parking Lots See 5% Increase in Usage Following Free First-Hour Benefit

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special Metropolitan City has reported an average 5% increase in public parking lot usage following the introduction of a free first-hour parking benefit.

The city implemented the free parking benefit at 46 public parking lots starting July 1st to reduce citizens' parking fees and enable convenient use of public parking facilities. After the first hour, standard per-10-minute rates apply according to each lot's pricing.

Analysis of public parking lot usage during July showed a total of 371,895 vehicles parked. This represents a 4.98% increase compared to the same period last year (354,269 vehicles).

Meanwhile, the city plans to conduct a campaign during September to eliminate illegal parking near public parking lots and promote awareness of public parking lot usage.

A city official stated, "Following the introduction of the free first-hour parking benefit, there has been an increase in public parking lot usage and higher citizen satisfaction," and added, "Illegal parking around commercial areas has decreased, and public parking lots in outlying areas that previously experienced low usage have seen a significant increase in utilization following the rate reduction."

The official further stated, "We will continue to develop efficient parking policies to enable more convenient parking for citizens, including plans to introduce the 'Saebit Parking Pass'—an integrated access card for all 46 public parking lots—in 2025."