Rising parking fees are prompting some car owners in Hanoi to reconsider where they park and how they commute, with some parking facilities reporting signs of declining demand.
A car park has seen a drop in customers (Photo: Tran Long).
Higher parking charges are forcing car users to rethink their parking arrangements and consider alternative ways of getting to work.
Thu Tra, 33, who previously drove to work regularly, has switched to public transport, including buses and urban rail, for regular journeys such as commuting between home and the office.
She estimates that parking and fuel costs can add up to VND 4-6 million (USD 156-234) a month if she uses her car frequently, depending on how often she travels and the parking rates.
For journeys with fixed schedules, public transport can meet her needs at a lower cost, helping her reduce daily car expenses.
"I still use my car when the weather is bad or when I need to visit several places in one day, as having my own vehicle is convenient and gives me more control over my schedule. However, on days when I do not need to travel much, I find public transport more suitable and it also saves me money on parking," Tra said.
For those who still need to drive regularly, finding cheaper parking facilities is another option.
Minh Quan, 42, said current parking costs had prompted him to look for facilities with rates better suited to his budget and commuting schedule.
One option he is considering is parking farther from his workplace and walking the remaining distance. However, the extra time required each day means his decision will depend on the distance and the actual savings.
"If monthly parking costs remain this high, I will also have to consider reducing my car use," Quan said.
For now, he sees finding another parking facility as the most immediate solution.
If he cannot find a suitable alternative, reducing how often he drives could also help keep spending under control. This suggests that higher parking fees may influence whether residents choose to use their cars regularly.
Residents seek ways to adapt to higher parking fees
Nguyen Hoang Nam, 35, a sales executive in Hanoi, said his job regularly requires him to meet clients at different locations, making it difficult to switch to public transport.
"My work often involves meeting clients in different places. Some days I have to travel between several locations, so I cannot easily switch to buses or other forms of public transport. For now, I have to accept the higher fees and find ways to save on other expenses," Nam said.
For people like Nam, cars serve both personal transport needs and work requirements. As a result, changing their mode of transport is not always practical, even when parking costs rise.
The additional fees have become another expense that car users must factor into their monthly budgets.