‘Time-Sharing’ Parking: Chongqing’s Innovative Solution to Urban Parking Challenges

Chongqing - This year, Chongqing has introduced over 46,000 new “time-sharing” parking spaces, exceeding its annual target ahead of schedule. This initiative alleviates parking pressures in old neighborhoods, business districts, schools, and hospitals while effectively utilizing idle parking resources.

On December 17, cars belonging to nearby residents are parked in the “time-sharing” parking spaces at MixC parking lot, Xiejiawan Subdistrict, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

Tackling parking issues in residential areas

Mr. Zhou, a resident of Xiejiawan Subdistrict in Jiulongpo District, no longer worries about parking his car near home. “Parking in old neighborhoods used to be a scramble during peak hours,” Zhou said. Thanks to the new time-sharing policy, Zhou now parks his car in a nearby shopping mall’s parking lot and enjoys a leisurely walk home.

Previously, while residents struggled with limited parking spaces, commercial parking lots nearby sat largely empty at night. For example, at Jiulongpo’s MixC mall, 3,200 of its 4,202 parking spaces were vacant at night. After discussions between local authorities and property managers, these spaces were made available to nearby residents at discounted rates - 200 yuan (27.4 U.S. dollars) per month for overnight parking at MixC mall.

According to Pan Song, a MixC property management staff member, the initiative has balanced providing affordable parking and maintaining operational costs. Residents who abuse the time-sharing arrangement by overstaying are charged standard rates. Since the policy’s launch in June, nighttime usage of MixC parking spaces has reached nearly 30%.

Government and businesses open parking resources

In addition to commercial parking lots, government agencies and enterprises are also opening their parking facilities to the public during off-hours. For example, the Baishiyi Town Government in Chongqing High-Tech Industrial Development Zone now shares 85 parking spaces with nearby residents from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.

“Previously, government parking lots were reserved for employees, leaving valuable spaces idle after work hours,” said Chen Bo, an official of Chongqing Urban Management Bureau. “Opening these lots not only maximizes resources but also strengthens government-community relations.”

The government parking lot of Baishiyi Town in the Chongqing High-Tech Industrial Development Zone shares 85 parking spaces with nearby residents. (Photo provided by interviewee)

Innovative solutions like “tidal” parking

Chongqing has introduced “tidal” parking spaces on certain streets, available for use during off-peak hours to further optimize urban parking. For instance, on Yatai Road in Nan’an District, these spaces are open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., catering to nighttime parking needs without disrupting daytime traffic.

Schools and hospitals face some of the most severe parking shortages. Last month, Chongqing launched actions to address these challenges. According to Zhang Peng, Director of the Chongqing Parking Management Center, various measures are being implemented, including integrating public and private parking resources, introducing intelligent parking systems, and designating temporary roadside parking during school hours where traffic allows.

The shared parking lot under the Kewei Overpass in Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo provided by interviewee)

Chongqing’s time-sharing parking initiative follows a government-led, market-driven, and community-participatory approach. By activating unused parking resources and implementing innovative solutions, the city is setting an example of smart urban management, bringing convenience to residents and enhancing the efficiency of urban spaces.

(Cui Yao and Li Yuheng, reporters from Chongqing Daily, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)