politics
New York shuttles outsell New Jersey trains at World Cup, leaving New Jersey Transit millions short
New York and New Jersey launched competing transit plans before the World Cup. New York's $20 subsidized shuttles have sold out after matches while New Jersey's $98 roundtrip train tickets have not. New Jersey Transit now expects millions in losses from lower-than-expected ridership.
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New York and New Jersey introduced rival transportation plans before the World Cup began. After several matches at MetLife Stadium, New York's subsidized $20 shuttle buses have sold out while New Jersey Transit $98 roundtrip train tickets have not, Politico reported. New Jersey Transit is now poised to lose millions during the tournament due to lower demand.
The first World Cup match at MetLife Stadium occurred on June 13 between Brazil and Morocco. New Jersey Transit had capacity for 40,000 passengers that night but carried only about 22,000 customers. New Jersey State Police asked the agency to transport some fans waiting for New York buses in the parking lot.
The agency had spent months planning to avoid a repeat of the 2014 Super Bowl overcrowding at the same venue. Kris Kolluri, head of New Jersey Transit, stated that the bistate host committee, the New Jersey governor’s office, and the State Police decided the agency would move thousands of people after 90 minutes if needed. Lines calmed without intervention.
Operations ran smoothly after the France-Senegal match and after a Senegal loss to Norway, with the first New Jersey Transit train reaching Penn Station in 35 minutes and average New York shuttle buses taking 45 minutes or less. In April, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration unveiled plans to charge fans $150 for a roundtrip ticket.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed concern that the price would harm the tournament and helped create the competing $20 shuttle service. Sherrill later cut the New Jersey price to $98. New Jersey Transit trains are currently operating at two-thirds capacity.
