Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is considering hiking parking fees for non-commuters at several stations to address the increasing demand for parking space by regular travelers. Currently, many non-commuters take advantage of the affordable and secure parking facilities offered by CMRL, leading to congestion during peak hours at stations like Chennai Airport, Meenambakkam, and Anna Nagar Tower, among others.
To prioritize parking for Metro Rail users, CMRL plans to implement a tiered fee structure, where non-commuters would pay higher rates compared to frequent commuters. The proposed increase in parking fees would vary depending on the station`s demand and footfall. CMRL officials stated that the fare adjustment aims to ensure that regular Metro Rail passengers have sufficient parking availability.
Previously, CMRL introduced discounted parking fees for frequent commuters in June. Presently, two-wheeler parking costs ₹10 for commuters, while non-commuters pay the same amount. However, the upcoming changes may see non-commuters paying a higher fee, possibly doubling the current rate to ₹20. CMRL intends to use transaction data to determine whether a vehicle owner is a regular Metro Rail user, thus adjusting parking charges accordingly.