BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Parking Authority soon will offer two meter options for downtown parkers, with an aim to make high-demand areas more accessible for more visitors.
With BPA’s three-hour meter option, visitors will pay $1.50 an hour and park farther away from the downtown areas.
Visitors also may pay $2.50 hourly for a two-hour spot closer to the core downtown action. Those premier spots used to cost $1 less hourly and come with a three-hour time limit.
Have an extended visit to town? Consider one of the 14 parking garages and lots going at a $1.50 hourly rate with no time limit restriction.
The “ParkBethlehem” parking management initiative will bolster turnover across downtown spaces, campaign for the use of the city’s fixed garages and lots and even come with an increase in on-street, ADA-accessible meter spaces, BPA wrote in a news release.
Expect some of these changes in phases starting on Sept. 3, according to the authority.
'Data-driven, demand-based'
The two-tier parking meter rate system is a “data-driven, demand-based approach to parking management” for the city’s downtown areas, the authority said.
They include parts of and beyond Main and Broad streets on the North Side, and the South Side’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th street areas and farther south.
“The program addresses persistent issues and decades of data showing inadequate on-street parking turnover and accessibility in our downtowns."Bethlehem Parking Authority Executive Director Steven Fernstrom
“The program addresses persistent issues and decades of data showing inadequate on-street parking turnover and accessibility in our downtowns,” BPA Executive Director Steven Fernstrom said.
“This has led to drivers endlessly circling for a spot, resulting in frustration and increased congestion.
“Our goal is to finally correct these problems.”
BPA said ParkBethlehem is made up of:
- RapidPark Zone: Spaces highlight core downtown areas, where parking turnover is needed to give everybody who needs it the chance to park throughout the day ($2.50 hourly, two-hour spaces)
- FlexPark Zone: While a longer walk from your parked car to the downtowns, these spaces lessen congestion, support pedestrian movement and maintain the existing cost to park ($1.50 hourly, three-hour spaces)
- Park Once Initiative: An option for those parking for longer periods of time ($1.50 hourly, no time limit)
Based on merchants' feedback
Since the effort was centered around discussions and feedback from local businesses, some groups are signing on with the parking meter rate system.
These include the SouthSide Arts District Advisory Board — which called it a “win-win” for the district and the city — and the Downtown Bethlehem Association Board of Directors.
“The DBA stands ready to collaborate with your administration to create a more dynamic, accessible, and sustainable downtown Bethlehem."
Find out more about ParkBethlehem at bethpark.org.
