Bogotá for Beginners: Pico y Placa

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In a city where there are over one million vehicles, and the streets aren't exactly wide and well planned thoroughfares, there was a need to create a plan to reduce traffic congestion. The transportation solution included the TransMilenio bus system, the new subway, and an interesting system (borrowed from Mexico City) which has come to be know as Pico y Placa.

Pico y Placa means that you cannot drive your car on certain days of the week -- based on the last number on your car's license plate. It applies to all vehicles, public and private.

For example, cars whose plates end in a 3, 4, 5, or 6 cannot circulate from 6 am until 8 pm on Mondays for the year from July 2009 until June 2010. A violation of this law will cost you over $100 US and you may have your car impounded.

This rule often puts a damper on some adoptive families that rely on certain drivers. Inevitably, a driver will be unable to circulate 2 days of the week. This is why getting a handle on public transport is a must. So, check out tomorrow's post.

Comments

Laura S said…
FYI: They also have this in Medellin. Not sure if the patterns are the same but definitely same concept.
April 16, 2010 at 10:33 AM
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