NJ TRANSIT report says World Cup transportation plan moved record 370,000 passengers

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ TRANSIT successfully transported more than 370,000 passengers during the eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at NJNY Stadium, setting a record for event-related ridership in the agency’s history, according to a newly released after-action report.

The report credits coordination among NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Amtrak and other agencies with delivering transportation operations comparable to hosting eight Super Bowls in a 39-day period.

According to the report, NJ TRANSIT moved the largest number of event-related passengers in the shortest concentrated period in its history while meeting its goal of transporting up to 20,000 passengers per hour.

The agency said the transportation system successfully adapted to varying event schedules, weather conditions and commuter demand while maintaining service throughout the tournament.

NJ TRANSIT highlighted several operational challenges, including severe weather during a June 22 match, extreme heat and multiple rail service disruptions caused by switch failures, signal problems, rail buckling and overhead power line incidents during later matches. The report said contingency plans, including supplemental bus service and pre-positioned maintenance crews, minimized impacts on customers.

The report also found that pricing did not significantly influence how fans traveled to the stadium, with attendees choosing among rail, shuttle buses and private vehicles based on personal preference.

While the transportation operation met its performance goals, NJ TRANSIT identified several areas for improvement.

According to the report, pedestrian traffic between NJNY Stadium and American Dream exceeded FIFA’s projections by more than 80%, largely because the shopping and entertainment complex allowed attendees to be dropped off on-site. The agency said the increased pedestrian activity contributed to traffic congestion and crowding before and after matches and concluded that future transportation plans for major events should formally incorporate American Dream’s parking facilities.

The report also found that designated FIFA hospitality parking lots were significantly underused, while the official rideshare location at the Meadowlands Racetrack saw lower-than-expected use during arrivals. As a result, many rideshare passengers were dropped off at American Dream instead, contributing to higher pedestrian volumes and longer rideshare wait times after matches.

Among the report’s highlighted successes were the deployment of more than 700 ambassadors from NJ TRANSIT, NJDOT and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority who worked more than 4,000 shifts and spoke more than 40 languages to assist fans. The report said multilingual signage and staff helped reduce travel times, with trips from New York Penn Station to the stadium averaging about 35 minutes.

Looking ahead, NJ TRANSIT said future events at the stadium should not require transportation commitments exceeding approximately 20,000 passengers within a two-hour period. The agency concluded that the Meadowlands complex will likely remain primarily automobile-oriented because of its suburban location and the availability of approximately 28,000 parking spaces at the stadium and American Dream.

The report recommends strengthening traffic management, expanding coordination with American Dream and continuing to refine NJ TRANSIT’s wristband program for future large-scale events.