NJ Transit riders concerned about World Cup transportation headaches
There are new concerns over transportation just days before the first World Cup match in New Jersey.
NJ Transit riders were hit with more delays and cancellations during the Tuesday evening rush, raising questions about whether the system is ready to handle the thousands expected to attend the matches.
Commuters faced delays of up to 45 minutes Tuesday evening due to overhead wire issues, according to Amtrak.
World Cup contingency plans
NJ Transit officials held a press conference Wednesday, saying they're prepared to handle the World Cup crowds.
"I assure you, we've been on the phone with Amtrak to make sure that doesn't happen again," NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said. "The moment there is a challenge on Amtrak, we will pivot to a contingency."
The contingencies the agency laid out Wednesday include buses that will be lined up outside Penn Station, ready to shuttle ticketholders, and even two New York Waterway ferries.
Amtrak said in a statement:
"Amtrak is fully committed to ensuring a safe and seamless World Cup experience for fans traveling throughout the New York-New Jersey region. We have been planning with our partners for years, including developing mitigation plans, putting contingencies in place to protect safety, security, and service reliability, and investing approximately $30M to improve our infrastructure and address specific locations that could be at risk with heavy usage. Amtrak is ready and prepared for the games, and we're confident these efforts will provide smooth, reliable service this summer for the World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and every other trip our customers have planned."
Amtrak added additional crews will be standing by across the Northeast Corridor on World Cup game days in case of emergencies.
NJ Transit issues
Tuesday's disruptions were the latest in a string of problems.
Just two weeks ago, an Amtrak work train fire inside Penn Station brought service between New York and New Jersey to a standstill.
"I think that's going to be a nightmare. I feel bad for those who are headed there," said New Jersey resident Maureen Hagan.
Another commuter said the trains are unreliable.
"I'm sorry to the people banking on the World Cup. You better drive, take a bus, ride a bike if you have to because you're not getting on a train," the woman said.
How to get to the World Cup using NJ Transit
A round-trip ticket on NJ Transit from New York City to the stadium is $98, with 40,000 available per game.
These tickets can only be purchased by World Cup ticketholders and will depart from Penn Station to MetLife and back. They are available on the NJ Transit app.
NJ Transit said there will be trains leaving every five minutes from New York Penn Station, and they can carry up to 1,200 people per train.
Those traveling from within the Garden State will connect at Secaucus Junction. Passengers will then transfer to the Meadowlands line for a quick ride directly to the stadium.
Customers will be asked to show their game ticket, and there will be light security screenings at Secaucus Station.
New Jersey State Police Deputy Superintendent Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz said those heading to the stadium will not be allowed to be dropped off nearby and walk.
"The agreement right now is with Uber, right, and we have the racetrack designated as the Uber drop-off and pick-up location," he said.
NJ Transit is also asking fans to use the same mode of transportation to get to and leave the game.
Service schedules for June 13 and June 16 can be found at njtransit.com/printables.
World Cup Concierge
Officials at Grand Central Terminal are launching a digital platform to help fans access transportation information.
Users can also find fan events, local businesses, tourism destinations and other World Cup activities across the region.
New Jersey State Police also launched an app Wednesday that will give real-time safety updates for the games. Click here to find out how to download it.
