Malls raise parking fees
By Mavis Toh
With the launch of Ion Orchard (left), many retailers and department stores nearby have reported a drop in customer traffice and sales. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
WHEN Mr Leonard Wee drove out of Wheelock Place's carpark two Sundays ago after two hours, he was shocked to find $8 deducted from his Cashcard.
The IT specialist, 32, who was there for lunch with his family, had missed a signboard stating the carpark's new charges. He never had to pay more than $4 before. 'The difference is huge and I was caught off guard. Perhaps next time, we'll eat outside the city area,' he said.
The problem, it seems, is the new Ion Orchard, which has been drawing crowds - and cars.
A Sunday Times check with six malls surrounding the new Ion Orchard showed that two have jacked up their parking fees this month.
Since Aug 1, Wheelock Place has increased its per-entry rate after 6pm from $4 to $4.50. It also implemented a $1 surcharge per car during lunchtime on weekdays.
On weekends, motorists will now have to pay weekday rates instead of a per-entry fee. Parking for four hours on a Sunday now costs $12 instead of $4 - a 200 per cent increase.
Shaw Centre across from Wheelock raised its per-entry rate from $2.14 to $3.50 on Aug 7 to 'keep in line' with buildings in the vicinity, said its spokesman. Wheelock's management said that it did so to manage the increased traffic.
When Ion first opened its doors last month, it drew hordes of curious Singaporeans. Motorists griped about long queues in and out of its carpark, with some having to wait 30 minutes before they could enter.
The situation compounds the gridlock along Orchard Turn, which serves Ion, Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City. Traffic is still heavy during peak hours.
The other four malls - Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria, Paragon and Tang Plaza - say they have no plans to increase their rates for now. Their parking rates range from $2.14 to $3 per hour.
source
By Mavis Toh
With the launch of Ion Orchard (left), many retailers and department stores nearby have reported a drop in customer traffice and sales. -- ST PHOTO: SHAHRIYA YAHAYA
WHEN Mr Leonard Wee drove out of Wheelock Place's carpark two Sundays ago after two hours, he was shocked to find $8 deducted from his Cashcard.
The IT specialist, 32, who was there for lunch with his family, had missed a signboard stating the carpark's new charges. He never had to pay more than $4 before. 'The difference is huge and I was caught off guard. Perhaps next time, we'll eat outside the city area,' he said.
The problem, it seems, is the new Ion Orchard, which has been drawing crowds - and cars.
A Sunday Times check with six malls surrounding the new Ion Orchard showed that two have jacked up their parking fees this month.
Since Aug 1, Wheelock Place has increased its per-entry rate after 6pm from $4 to $4.50. It also implemented a $1 surcharge per car during lunchtime on weekdays.
On weekends, motorists will now have to pay weekday rates instead of a per-entry fee. Parking for four hours on a Sunday now costs $12 instead of $4 - a 200 per cent increase.
Shaw Centre across from Wheelock raised its per-entry rate from $2.14 to $3.50 on Aug 7 to 'keep in line' with buildings in the vicinity, said its spokesman. Wheelock's management said that it did so to manage the increased traffic.
When Ion first opened its doors last month, it drew hordes of curious Singaporeans. Motorists griped about long queues in and out of its carpark, with some having to wait 30 minutes before they could enter.
The situation compounds the gridlock along Orchard Turn, which serves Ion, Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City. Traffic is still heavy during peak hours.
The other four malls - Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria, Paragon and Tang Plaza - say they have no plans to increase their rates for now. Their parking rates range from $2.14 to $3 per hour.
source
