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

Master's Thesis from the year 2019 in the subject Engineering - Civil Engineering, Mekelle University (School of Civil Engineering), language: English, abstract: Urbanization in Mekelle City has brought about a pressing issue of roadside congestion due to on-street parking, adversely impacting sustainable urban transport. This study delves into the development of an effective on-street parking price policy as a strategic measure to alleviate congestion and examines its impact on travel mode choice in Mekelle City. Utilizing parking inventory and utilization survey data, the study employs the price elasticity equation to calculate the optimum parking price. Results reveal that current parking occupancy exceeds 85%, surpassing the required capacity, with demand outstripping availability. However, implementing the optimal parking price during peak hours demonstrates a substantial decrease in parking demand, achieving a balanced utilization level of 100% safe occupancy. These findings provide a functional basis for future on-street parking price design in urbanized areas, emphasizing the potential for sustainable urban transport improvements.