The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reported Tuesday a sizeable increase in the number of riders using public transit during the three-day Outside Lands Music Festival weekend.
Throughout the weekend, Muni saw 1.3 million passengers trips across its system, a 7% increase in the number of travelers when compared to an average summer weekend this year.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie on social media praised the actions of the SFMTA and other city departments for their parts in planning and supporting the annual music event in Golden Gate Park. Lurie said about 75,000 people attended each day, comparable to the maximum capacity at Levi’s Stadium.
“There were no major disruptions throughout the weekend, thanks to the hard work and preparation from city staff, event organizers Another Planet, and volunteers,” Lurie wrote on his X account. “People came together, enjoyed incredible music, and showed the very best of our city. Let’s go, San Francisco!”
Leading up to the event, the SFMTA announced street closures, implemented geofenced areas that limited where ride-hailing services could operate, and plans for people and vehicles to help with the most crowded areas during peak travel times.
Concerns about the influx in crowds and the impact to transportation arose following the Fourth of July fireworks show at the Golden Gate Bridge that caused cars and buses to spend hours in gridlock traffic. This year’s Outside Lands festival saw large crowds, but with no reports of major delays that were out of the ordinary for the annual event.
Three of the busiest lines were the 5-Fulton, 5R-Fulton Rapid, and N-Judah. Between Friday and Sunday of the festival weekend, roughly 160,400 trips were made on these three routes, which equates to a 13% increase when compared to last year.
Erica Kato, a spokesperson with the SFMTA, said the agency gained practice in planning and executing an efficient system for the music festival after so many years. She said those with tickets and wristbands could ride public transit for free across the system.
“We’re a well-oiled machine when it comes to getting those buses, the shuttles, out there,” said Kato. “We had extra field inspectors out there making sure that trains were moving and people were getting on board.”
Posts on social media showed long lines for full buses and trains. Others complained about the price-surging for ride-hailing services.
Kato said the agency will do what it does every year, an in-depth analysis of the successes and challenges associated with providing transportation for Outside Lands.
“So, along with our inspectors and our communication ambassadors, we’re really proud of the success this year, and we can’t wait for next.”