WMBCTV: NJ Transit Finalizes World Cup Transportation Plan for MetLife Stadium Crowds
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup continues - attention is turning not just to the matches themselves - but to how fans will actually get to MetLife Stadium. Officials with NJ TRANSIT as well as transportation planners, local business leaders and the 2026 FIFA World Cup New York-New Jersey host committee say that while moving massive crowds efficiently will be critical once games begin at MetLife Stadium this summer, the preparations in doing so are proving to be logistically challenging. New Jersey Transit CEO Kri Kolluri, who recently announced a price tag of $150 for a round-trip ticket to the stadium, spoke on the daunting task ahead of shuttling 10’s of thousands of fans to and from each of the matches between June 11th through July 19th.
“This is a suburban area that happens to have an amazing stadium with amazing transportation assets but we needed to think about how to move 78,000 people so New Jersey transit took responsibility of providing transportation for 40,000 people that is 20,000 people more than we’ve ever moved, but that’s a challenge we’ve taken on willingly and we’re capable and we’re in fact excited,” said Kolluri.
Eight World Cup matches are scheduled to be played at the stadium - including knockout round games as well as the tournament final. Transportation officials say planning includes coordinating rail service, buses, traffic management and crowd flow throughout the Meadowlands area to prepare for the surge of visitors expected from around the globe.
“Mass transit is the best way to move people to this game,” said Kolluri. “We now have two actual separate lines for buses and trains, depending on where you’re going.”
Those involved in the planning say the event presents both a major logistical challenge and a major opportunity for the region - with leaders saying they hope transportation systems can handle the demand while showcasing the area on an international stage. Officials say transportation planning will continue evolving in the weeks leading up to game time.
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