Getting to and from (and stops in between) the largest free music festival in the country just got easier thanks to a multilevel partnership between public and private entities

Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, PA, July 10, 2024 – ArtsQuest is proud to announce that new bus services are coming to this year’s Musikfest thanks to a multilevel and citywide partnership. LANTA, the Bethlehem Parking Authority, the City of Bethlehem, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Historic Bethlehem, the SouthSide Arts District and ArtsQuest have come together to make Musikfest more accessible for people to attend and enjoy a summertime tradition that is entering its 41st year.

LANTA’s Enhanced Bus Service (EBS) system will begin its new route, the Gold Line, from North Side to SouthSide Bethlehem, beginning August 2. Along with the Blue Line from Trexlertown to Easton and the Green Line from Whitehall to the Casino, these bus lines will not only make your ride to and from Musikfest stress-free, they will also allow for stops throughout the festival, along with the already running North South Transfer and the Parking Garages shuttles.

The new EBS System will run from Monday through Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 9:40 p.m.

“LANTA is proud to be a partner in this project, bringing real-time bus tracking and ADA Shuttle Access to this event for the first time,” commented AJ Jordan, Director of Planning & Scheduling, LANTA. “With our growing EBS Rapid Transit network, we aim to be a reliable option to get to and around Musikfest and other festivals in Bethlehem. We value our partnership with the Bethlehem Parking Authority in bringing options to Park Once and Ride to all of this city’s great destinations year-round.”

“We’re excited to partner with these stakeholders to introduce a new shuttle option that better utilizes our parking system, offering convenient and affordable access for festivalgoers.” said Steven Fermstrom, Executive Director of the Bethlehem Parking Authority. “This aligns with our goal of efficiently moving people around Bethlehem, enhancing mobility, and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.”

Shuttle & Parking Fares:

BPA Parking Garages – $15 per Vehicle

Price includes unlimited rides on Blue, Green, and Gold Line shuttles (operated by LANTA)

Remote Parking Lots – $9 per Adult (13+), $7 per Child (3-12), Free for children under 2. Price includes Shuttle service to festival and Unlimited rides on Purple Line North-South Transfer

Additional Shuttle Passes:

• Unlimited Ride Day Passes for Blue, Green, and Gold Line shuttle
  • $4 cash or Mobile Ticket
  • Free for Children under 5
• Unlimited Ride Day Passes for Purple North-South Transfer
  • $6 per Adult (13+) o $4 per Child (3-12)
  • Free for children under 2

Wheelchair Accessibility Note:

All BPA Garages and Blue, Green, and Gold Line shuttles are ADA Accessible.  Remote Parking Shuttles and Purple Line North-South Transfer shuttle are NOT wheelchair accessible.

You can find more information on festival transportation at Musikfest.org.

“The collaboration between the City of Bethlehem, LANTA, the Bethlehem Parking Authority, and ArtsQuest to introduce an accessible shuttle system for Musikfest demonstrates our commitment to safe and convenient transportation for all,” commented Mayor J. William Reynolds. “By decreasing single-vehicle traffic, we are enhancing pedestrian safety and improving the overall festival experience. This partnership showcases the spirit of Bethlehem— coming together for the benefit of our community. This initiative highlights our dedication to accessibility, safety and community spirit, ensuring an unforgettable event for everyone.”

“We are thrilled with a new mode of transportation being offered at this year’s Musikfest,” commented Kassie Hilgert ArtsQuest President and CEO. “This partnership with Lanta, the city of Bethlehem, the Bethlehem Parking Authority and our organization is invaluable and will provide an opportunity for even more folks to attend the country’s largest free music festival, making it more accessible than ever before.”

“In addition to convenience for Musikfest attendees, this shuttle system will also unlock the full economic potential of our city,” commented Tammy Wendling, Senior Vice President of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “By making travel between the north and south sides of Bethlehem effortless, we’re exposing all of our businesses to a wider audience, boosting the local economy for everyone. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to LANTA for their partnership – they’ve been instrumental in turning this vision into reality. This project truly embodies the spirit of Bethlehem – businesses, organizations, and the community working together as a team.”

“It’s so exciting that Bethlehem is following the path of other cities to make it easy for locals and travelers alike to now have the opportunity to get to interesting destinations without their automobile,” commented LoriAnn Wukitsch, President & CEO, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.

Whether you leave the car at home, park in an off-satellite lot or one of the convenient garages around the city and take a shuttle from there, or if you’re feet just need a rest and you’re looking for an easier way to get around the festival, we have all the bases covered so that you can enjoy the food, music and fun at this year’s Musikfest!

See you at the fest!

 

About ArtsQuest

ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Juliana Blobe