The new parking garage in Pardubice, which opened in Febuary, is experiencing a financial shortfall despite relatively high occupancy rates. While reaching 80% capacity on hockey game days and 50% on football game days,the garage is projected to fall short of its revenue goals by CZK 2.47 million (approximately $107,000 USD as of November 22, 2025).
In its first nine months of operation, the garage recorded over 72,000 entries.Weekday occupancy averages around 110 vehicles,out of a total capacity of 442 spaces.
“What is pleasing about the analysis is that for visitor parking, the prices and attendance were estimated quite accurately.The parking garage fulfills the role. The walking distance is good and so is the price for parking,” said opposition representative Petr Kvaš (ODS).
Factors contributing to Revenue Shortfall
The analysis attributes the lower-than-expected revenues to traffic disruptions caused by the repair of the Wonka bridge and reconstruction work on Sukova street.The garage is expected to generate CZK 5.74 million (approximately $248,000 USD) in revenue without VAT over 11 months, falling short of the city’s initial projections.
Annual operating costs are estimated at CZK 13.76 million (approximately $595,000 USD). This will result in a deficit of approximately CZK 8 million (approximately $347,000 USD), which, combined with the initial capital investment of CZK 7.165 million (approximately $311,000 USD), brings the total loss to around CZK 8.51 million (approximately $368,000 USD).City representatives will vote on how to cover this amount.
proposed Solutions
A key issue identified is the limited uptake of long-term parking space leases,which are currently only available to residents of Pardubice district I. Petr Kvaš criticized this restriction,stating,“It is complete nonsense why someone would buy a parking space in a house for 1200 a month,when for the same amount they can have it on the streets for a whole year.”
To address this, the analysis proposes adjustments, including lowering fees for subscribers and introducing employee parking.A plan to allocate up to 200 spaces for employees is under consideration,requiring companies to commit to a minimum of 40 and a maximum of 80 spaces. Employee parking would be limited to between 6:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., with a monthly cost of CZK 700 (approximately $30 USD) per space.
Background and Controversy
The parking garage was approved under the previous city governance led by representatives from the ANO 2011 movement. The project was also linked to a case of alleged manipulation of public contracts at the town hall. Last November, police charged 19 individuals, including former mayor martin Charvát, in connection with the case. The construction of the garage cost approximately CZK 300 million (approximately $13 million USD).
The new parking garage in Pardubice did not even fill the sold-out stadium,occupancy reached about 60%
Published: 2025/11/22 00:40:56
Related reading