Optimizing On-Street Parking Prices for Mitigating Congestion. A Case Study in Mekelle City

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Background

1.2. Statement of the Problem

1.3. Objectives

1.3.1. General objective

1.3.2. Specific objective

1.4. Scope of the study

1.5. Limitation of the study

1.6. Significance of the Study

2. Literature review

2.1. Overview

2.2. What is the parking system?

2.3. On-street parking system

2.4. Ill effects of on-street Parking

2.5. Possible parking policy and access management

2.6. Parking price policy and previous studies

2.6.1 Parking price optimizing methods

2.6.2. Application of parking price elasticity for on-street parking demand

2.6.3. Influence of on-street parking price on travel mode choice

2.7. Parking data

2.8. Parking space capacity determination

2.9. Parking survey methods

2.9.1. In-out survey

2.9.2. License plate method of survey

2.10. Different studies on car parking system in Ethiopia

2.11. Summary and gap of the literature

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Overview

3.2. Description of the study area

3.3. Vehicle Classification

3.4. Data collection

3.4.1 Parking usage survey data

3.4.2. Parking lot capacity determination

3.5. The method used to optimize on-street parking price

3.6. Developing of linear empirical equation for optimizing of on-street parking price

3.7 The effect of on-street parking price on travel mode choice

3.8. Data Analysis tools

4. Results and discussions

4.1. Investigate the existing condition of the on-street parking system

4.1.1. Determining average vehicles parking duration

4.1.2 Existing parking supply (capacity)

4.1.3 Existing parking usage

4.2. Determine the parking price elasticity value (𝜼)

4.3. Determine optimum on-street parking price and its effect on parking demand

4.4. Determine the effect of on-street parking price on travel mode choice

4.5. How to apply on-street parking price policy in Mekelle city

4.6. Application of on-street parking price policy on transportation

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1. Conclusions

5.2. Recommendations

5.2.1. Future studies

Research Objectives and Focus Areas

The primary aim of this thesis is to formulate an on-street parking price policy as a mitigation strategy for the persistent traffic and parking congestion in Mekelle city, specifically examining how these pricing adjustments influence travel mode choices between passenger cars and public transport.

• Investigation of existing parking infrastructure and utilization in the Kedamay Woyane sub-city.
• Development of a linear empirical model for optimizing parking prices based on current demand and supply.
• Evaluation of parking price elasticity for balancing parking demand with available capacity.
• Analysis of the cross-price elasticity to determine the shift in travel mode preferences following price hikes.
• Formulation of practical policy recommendations for urban transport management in Ethiopia.

Excerpts from the Thesis

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Presents the background of parking-induced traffic congestion in Mekelle and defines the main objectives of the research regarding parking policy.

2. Literature review: Analyzes the theoretical foundations of on-street parking systems, their negative externalities, and methodologies for parking pricing and demand management.

3. Materials and Methods: Details the field survey approach, including the license plate method, and the formulation of mathematical models to optimize parking pricing.

4. Results and discussions: Analyzes the collected survey data, determines optimal parking prices, and evaluates the impact of pricing on travel mode choices using elasticity models.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations: Summarizes the key findings and provides actionable policy recommendations for implementing effective parking management in Mekelle city.

Keywords

cross-price elasticity, optimum parking price, parking price elasticity, travel mode choice, traffic congestion, parking management, transportation engineering, urban mobility, parking demand, parking supply, Mekelle city, road capacity, sustainable transport, mode split, parking accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core concern of this research?

The research addresses the significant congestion caused by inefficient on-street parking systems in urban areas of Mekelle, Ethiopia, and the resultant negative impacts on traffic flow and accessibility.

What are the primary themes studied in this work?

The study focuses on parking demand management, the correlation between parking prices and occupancy, price elasticity of demand, and the redirection of travel behavior toward public transport.

What is the ultimate goal or research question?

The main objective is to define an on-street parking price policy that balances demand with parking capacity to ensure 100% safe utilization of the existing parking spaces while discouraging unnecessary private car dominance.

Which scientific methods are utilized?

The researcher uses parking inventory surveys, the license plate method for data collection, price elasticity equations, cross-price elasticity analysis, and Excel-based modeling for price optimization.

What is covered in the main body of the work?

The main body covers the identification of existing parking conditions, the calculation of peak-hour demand vs. supply, and the demonstration of how parking prices can reduce vehicle accumulation on specific road sections.

Which keywords best describe this study?

Key terms include cross-price elasticity, parking price optimization, travel mode choice, sustainable urban transport, and parking demand management.

How does land-use pattern influence the parking price optimization?

Different areas, such as commercial zones or office-heavy districts, generate significantly varied parking accumulation patterns, requiring targeted pricing strategies that vary based on the specific business activity and time of day.

What is the identified effect of increased parking fees on commuters?

The findings indicate that increasing parking fees makes car travel less attractive, leading to a shift in modes, where commuters opt for more affordable and sustainable options like minibus taxis.

Does this study rely on existing software for pricing?

The study relies on custom linear models and iterative solving within MS Excel to reach optimal pricing figures, demonstrating an accessible approach for local transport authorities.