What do you think can be done to ease parking woes in the city?

Yahya Salim Rashid al Azri Government employee

The only viable solution to the parking problem is an improved public transport system. We can have buses and underground metro trains so that people do not have to use their vehicles. I doubt if multi-level parkings can be a long-term solution.

Ashraf al Kalbani Government employee

Multi-level parking lots are good but having a robust public transport system is better looking at demands of the growing population. We have multi-storeyed buildings to meet the housing demand. Adding multi-level parkings will make cities even more congested.

Artabandhu Pradhan Government employee

Parking woes will multiply with rising population. For this authorities can introduce user-friendly public transport that will encourage people to leave their vehicles home. Having multi-level parkings is another solution. However any solution to the problem should not affect the city's aesthetics.

Sankarsan Mahanta Government employee

Multi-level parkings are the best way to ease parking woes especially when people are not willing to give up the car culture or accept the idea of car pooling. Many businesses are suffering due to the parking problem. People should be open to change.

Hesham Mohamed Otefy Government employee

Multi-level parkings are one option but not a long-term solution. We need to invest in a good public transport system. That's what most countries are doing.

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Do you think that the new buildings coming up are following the rule of mandatory parking for tenants?

Jerry Joseph Division manager

Parking has become a huge issue in Muscat. We need to learn from past mistakes. Parking is a struggle in older areas like CBD so the buildings coming up in newer areas like Ma'abela should allot parking space for tenants to avoid the same problem. I do not know if the rule is being followed by all real estate developers.

Khamis Mohammed Salim al Hattali Hotel employee

I feel new buildings are making the provision. A fast growing population and lack of a good public transport system will make matters worse in the future. I believe that developers should work with authorities to nip the parking problem in the bud while there's still time.

Suman Abraham Accountant

I do not think so. Enough provision for parking should be a criteria for approving a building plan. Since most buildings are both commercial and residential residents should get allotted parking. A separate parking lot for commercial establishments in the building should also be created.

Faiz Juma al Fouri Receptionist

While underground parking is expensive it has to be obligatory. I feel that most developers are following this norm. The parking problem needs to be addressed by authorities before private companies take over and start charging unreasonable amounts.

Bilal Ahmed Customer service executive

Yes they are. However I would also like to state that while making adequate parking should be a priority working on the public transport system will be a better solution. Authorities are making important strides in this department too with the new Mwasalat buses.

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Is there a need for more multi-level automated parkings in the city?

Yaser Abdullah Private sector employee

Going by how hectic finding a parking space gets I would say yes more multi-level automated car parks are needed. I get tired and stressed out every morning even before I start my work trying to locate a space to park my vehicle.

Hamdoon al Naamani Businessman

Multi-level parkings are the right solution to Muscat's parking woesso many cars so less parking space parking fines... . At times you get late for work because you spend around 40 minutes looking for a convenient parking space. I request the municipality to build more multi-level parkings which are safe and convenient.

Abla Mohammed Private sector employee

For me finding a parking slot can get so stressful that I sometimes forget where I parked my car. This is quite annoying and a waste of time. Multi-level automated parkings I feel can save hassles like these.

Sunil P S Private sector employee

A multi-level car park can save a lot of space in a busy area. It's a good idea as it can be built underground or above the ground. It will be a huge relief for people. I see a lot of unpleasantness like arguments among vehicle owners over parking space. However with no facility in place nobody is to blame.

Husaam al Musallami Private sector employee

Although I have a parking spot reserved for me looking at the inconvenience other drivers are put into without ample parking space I would say that multi-level automated parkings are the best solution.

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Are there any areas that you dread to drive to because of parking problems? If so which ones?

Mohammed al Hashli Energy company employee

Muttrah is very difficult to park in and so is CBD. Parking in the area near Lulu in Bausher gets difficult during peak shopping hours. The place has only one exit where the traffic builds up at times. Similar is the case near the Al Raffah hospital in Ghubra. The situation sometimes forces me to cancel my errands. Parking in Qurm is easier.

Rashid al Rassadi Government employee

I think the most difficult places are Ruwi and Muttrah. I go to Muttrah Souq once a month but end up spending half an hour going around in circles looking for a place to park. It's best to park far from the souq and walk to it especially during festivals and weekends. Finding space to park is not difficult in Qurm. It would be nice to have more paid parking lots.

Vinod D'Costa Sales manager

There isn't enough parking in CBD which often forces people to park wrongly. I used to have trouble parking at Lulu Bausher. The underground parking there has improved the situation. I live in Al Khuwayr and avoid driving to Ruwi in the evenings fearing the traffic and lack of parking space. I prefer driving to Carrefour in Seeb because there is ample space to park.

Said al Battashi Bank employee

I find it difficult to park in Ruwi and Muttrah although I like to go to Muttrah for shopping and to exercise. The situation worsens during Eid shopping. Every building in Oman should have an underground parking lot.

Shoukat Ali Trader

Ruwi High Street is a tough place to drive and park especially between 5pm and 8pm. I have to keep driving around in circles to look if a parking space has opened up. Sometimes I park far from the shop I want to visit and walk down.