EVALUATING SHARED PARKING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE CBD OF DOHA

Abstract

Shared parking has been proposed as a solution to alleviate parking problems. This research aimed to study the impact of shared parking arrangements, in the West Bay area of Doha city, on the traffic volumes and travel time. A questionnaire survey was conducted and distributed in the study area to check peoples' perceptions about the current parking situation in the study area and shared parking as a solution to solve parking issues. The study used a model developed using VISUM software to test different scenarios and combinations of shared parking locations and the number of allocated parking lots. This approach was based on a model derived from the Qatar Strategic Transport Model, supplemented with updated field data on parking availability and trip generation for various entities. The findings from the survey showed that the current condition of parking in the study area is very poor and people strongly support the implementation of shared parking facilities. The findings from the model gave crucial information regarding the optimal scenario and placement of shared parking facilities in the area where scenario 3 was shown to be the most effective with a reduction in traffic volume by 31% in major collectors, 27% in minor collectors, and 25% in turn lanes, alongside a decrease in average travel time by 29% in major collectors, 45% in minor collectors and 23% in turn lanes. Additionally, the findings of this research have the potential for revenue generation as well as conservation of resources.