I went to a mall on Black Friday for this first time yesterday. The amount of people in Tyson’s Corner mall reminded me of a Beijing Subway transfer station. It was harder to maneuver because I was just wandering around. Without a specific destination or aim it was easy to get lost in the crowd. I don’t like malls much.
What was most interesting is what I found in the parking garage: Hybrid only parking spots. Just like their handicap counterparts, these spots are closest to the stairs and elevators. I noticed them because I saw three Toyota Prius’s parked next to each other.
Apparently, big stores like Ikea and The Home Depot offer Hybrid only spots, libraries too. City goverments are getting the idea too. In Massachusetts, lawmakers are considering creating parking restrictions in downtown Boston.
Says Ikea:
IKEA is committed to long term sustainability, particularly in terms of transportation. All stores are located close to public transit for both co-workers and customers. However, as a destination shopping location that is typically reached by car, IKEA is rewarding customers who are doing their part for the environment and recognizing the growing trend towards hybrid vehicle purchases in Canada.
Actually, Portland’s Ikea store is close to public transit at Cascade Station near the airport.
The sign says “Hybrid Vehicles Towing Enforced” but I bet your electric car wouldn’t be towed if you parked there.
