KOCHI: The 24-hour pay-and-park facility at Vyttila Mobility Hub is a model that could be emulated around the city. Systematic and well-ordered programme services provided at the hub have made the facility hugely succesful here. The amenities provided to pay-and-park customers include free drinking water, separate ladies parking facility, CCTV camera security and shelter for two-wheeler parking.
The programmes aimed at developing the pay-and-park facility at the hub are conducted by the hub management, KITCO, and Rohini Facilty Management Service, a private agency.
Officials said that the initial response to the parking area at the hub was disappointing as the public were reluctant to dole out the high fees. However, after the hub became fully functional, the management reduced the fee structure for parking and also developed the facilities here which led to the success to the service.
“ We have ensured the security of the parked vehicles with our 24-hour CCTV facility. We provide 50 percent concession to our regular customers and do not take payment from the differently-abled and school children,” said Mahesh S, supervisor of the Rohini facility service.
The parking fee ranges from `5 to `10 for 4 hours and `20 and `30 for four wheelers and two wheelers, respectively. People from far off places and within the city avail the facility as it is difficult to find out another suitable area which is safe for parking in the city.
“ We have a systematic register of the customers if we need to contact them. If the vehicle is parked for more than one month without any response from the customer, it will be directly informed to the police,” said owner of Rohini management facility, A D Girish. The parking lots are effectively used by the public where 75 percent of the area is always filled with vehicles.
“ Currently we are planning further development of the hub worth `433 crore development project in Public Private Partnership (PPP). This is in connection with the Kochi Metro Rail. The pay and park facility will be expanded to the public to utilise rail, road and water services from the hub.” said Managing Director of Vytilla Mobility Hub, R Girija. She also said about the concepts of developing the area with walking area, office and shopping space.
