I spent a lot of time working in Mumbai in the 1990's helping to develop the city's transportation system. My bit was to plan a Municipal Parking Agency to provide and manage parking services in the city, which was undergoing rapid car ownership and use growth. Everyone said it was a good idea but nothing has happened and surprise, surprise things aren't going too well.
The MMRDA, the state development authority has done a deal with a hotel developer to build an 850 space garage and just like an earlier venture the car park sits splendidly empty whilst the streets outside are jam packed with parkers. It's not rocket science; the streets are free and unregulated the car park charges. MMRDA has stamped its official foot and is "writing to building tenants" and "asking the Police to tow away illegally parked cars". It's never going to happen. The tenants will have no control over their staff and the Police have a city of 14million to deal with. This area might get attention for a week but that's about it.
The MMRDA paid me, per day, more than the average annual wage for the city. Why pay for the advice if you are not going to take it?
An interesting point for you operators out there, the 850 space car park has 33 people working in it!
Comments