Musikfest 2025 saw notably less traffic congestion despite record attendance, thanks to new partnerships with the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority and Bethlehem Parking Authority.

The growing #ParkOne and Ride initiative, coordinating BPA facilities with LANTA’s EBS Rapid Transit service, was amped up to the max during Musikfest, with ArtsQuest joining in the partnership to provide additional fare free service during the 10-day Musikfest event.

LANTA’s Blue, Green, and Gold Lines provided 23,811 rides across the river during the festival.

This is up from 6,219 rides in 2023 on the former North-South Transfer shuttle provided by ArtsQuest. New parking options near LANTA’s EBS lines made finding a spot easier than ever, drastically cutting down on congestion in Downtown and SouthSide Bethlehem. “Having public transit connectivity and strong walkability near our garages allowed us to spread parking demand across the system. Visitors were able to quickly find parking near the 14 shuttle stops, reducing the number of cars circling the city to find parking. This aligns with our goals of reducing traffic, creating a safer environment for pedestrians, and fostering a more vibrant community,” said BPA Executive Director Steve Fernstom.

“We want to limit personal car traffic as much as we can in Bethlehem. Welcoming over a million people in 10 days can make that a challenge. Thank you to LANTA, the Parking Authority and ArtsQuest for the incredible work to maximize our mass transit options and reduce personal car use. Goals were set and exceeded and that will give us momentum as we look at planning for next year’s festival,” added Mayor J. William Reynolds.

“Musikfest guests, ArtsQuest members and volunteers all appreciated the new service options. We did experience some longer than usual lines at Shuttleplatz North and South but catching the shuttles at the 12 other stops was quick and easy,” said Eric Bauder, ArtsQuest’s Director of Event Operations. “Many attendees weren’t aware of the other stops located throughout the festival. We look forward to expanding that messaging next year to help guests get to their shows and events faster.”

Since LANTA first rolled out their new EBS service in 2021, the Bethlehem Parking Authority has been working with LANTA to coordinate EBS boarding areas with BPA structures to promote a seamless experience for residents and guests to #ParkOnce on either side of the river and ride EBS to destinations on both sides without needing to repark or pay additional meter rates.

“Polk Street Garage was designed to include features like wayfinding signs, maps and a real time departure display for the adjacent EBS Southside Station, giving drivers the peace of mind to park in SouthSide and quickly find an EBS shuttle to Northside,” said AJ Jordan, LANTA’s Director of Planning & Scheduling. “While LANTA’s Gold Line service only operates during busy festivals like Musikfest, the EBS Blue and Green Lines continue to operate year-round with frequent service connecting across the river all day, every day.”

This partnership will continue to expand this fall when LANTA’s Downtown Bethlehem EBS station will be relocated to the new Walnut Street Garage. The new parking structure is nearing completion, and BPA plans to reopen the facility just in time for the holiday season.

Contributed article