For the Puljane 1000 hours of parking 37,50 €

Pula has introduced a special parking card called “1000 hours” which allows residents to park for up to 1,000 hours for just 37.50 euros, equivalent to less than four cents per hour. The initiative, launched in November, aims to reduce the financial burden of daily parking expenses for local citizens. The card is available exclusively to residents with permanent residence in Pula and can be used throughout the city except in restricted zones such as Holders only and the large Carolinia parking lot. The program was one of the key campaign promises made by current Mayor Peđa Grbin during his election campaign. The new system is designed to make parking more affordable for everyday use, including trips to the doctor, the market, or administrative tasks. Residents will access the benefits through a digital app, which requires registration using their OIB (Unique Identification Number) and vehicle registration details. Once registered, users will receive all necessary information to activate the card and will only need to press two buttons, start and stop, when using parking facilities. This streamlined process is intended to simplify access to the service. Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the initiative. Some welcome the lower cost, while others feel it still represents a significant expense. Asmira, a resident of Pula, remarked that the price feels too high, especially considering the winter months when travel might increase. However, Milan, another local, expressed optimism, saying the change would allow him to visit the city more freely for both work and personal reasons. These comments reflect the broader sentiment among locals who see the policy as a step toward greater affordability. The implementation of the “1000 hours” card follows a similar model introduced in Opate, another Croatian city. The system is managed by GTD Pula Parking d.o.o., a company responsible for overseeing parking infrastructure in the area. Mario Peruško, director of the company, emphasized that the pricing structure is exceptionally favorable, noting that the cost per hour is significantly lower than existing options. He added that the digital platform ensures ease of use, making the transition smooth for residents accustomed to traditional parking methods. Mayor Peđa Grbin highlighted the importance of the measure in improving quality of life for Pula’s citizens. He stated that the initiative supports essential activities that contribute to daily living, reinforcing the idea that the policy addresses real-life needs rather than being purely symbolic. The card is set to become available starting November 1st, giving residents ample time to prepare for its launch. The city plans to monitor usage patterns and may consider further adjustments based on feedback. The introduction of the special parking card marks a notable shift in urban mobility policies within Croatia. It reflects a growing trend of cities seeking to balance economic sustainability with public welfare by offering subsidized services tailored to local populations. While the exact impact remains to be seen, the early response suggests that many residents view this change as a positive development. As the month begins, the city will continue to support the rollout of the program, ensuring that all eligible residents can benefit from the reduced costs associated with parking in Pula.