Transit officials are warning New York and New Jersey commuters to work from home during this summer’s World Cup to avoid the expected travel chaos.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said that those in the metro area with the ability to work from home should do so come June, as the world’s biggest soccer tournament is set to push the area’s public transit system to its brink.
“If you are not attending one of the events, please if possible, work from home — because the city will be incredibly congested and so will New Jersey,” Garcia said at a Thursday news conference.
The advisory comes as transit officials across the region scramble to handle what is expected to be an unprecedented surge in ridership, with MetLife Stadium serving as the host venue for some of the tournament’s biggest matches, including the final.
World Cup matches slated for June 22 and June 30 are also expected to wreak havoc as travel times for the games overlap with rush hour, and New Jersey Transit officials have already urged residents to avoid commuting unless they’re attending a game or event.
New Jersey officials anticipate that around 40,000 fans will use mass transit for each match, while the NJ Transit section of Penn Station — a main transit hub for riders in the city, Long Island, and New Jersey — is expected to be closed to anyone not attending the World Cup for four hours before each game and for three hours after.
NJT tickets just to get to MetLife stadium in New Jersey from New York City are expected to cost roughly $150 round trip — a fare that usually only runs for $12.90.
“The back and forth is just going to be tough,” Garcia explained.
The director also put Ubers and and illegal taxis on notice, saying that they won’t serve as an alternative to the overpriced NJT trains.
“I would also discourage anyone from taking a ride share, you need to take public transit,” she said.
“We are going to do a lot of outreach to people who are coming through our airport to make sure they know about illegal taxis, but it also is for people who are in the city — we encourage you to please use public transit if you can.”
