Park & Ride
Park & Ride is a system by which commuters are encouraged to drive to a nearby train station or bus terminal, then take public transportation into the city. The objectives are to ease traffic congestion in urban areas and reduce the burden on the environment. Implementing the concept will require parking areas at train stations and bus terminals, facilities to facilitate switching from cars to public transport, and signs and notice boards. In administration, there may be a need to subsidize parking fees or even bus operation costs. Park & Ride has been introduced in cities around the world, mainly in North America and Europe. The Japanese government has positioned it as a core measure in the Comprehensive Model Project for Anti-congestion Measures. However, high land prices in Japan make it difficult to provide adequate parking space at secure sites convenient for making the switch between modes of transportation.