NYC Transit Urges Remote Work During World Cup

Transit officials urge NY-NJ commuters to work remotely during 2026 World Cup matches

NY-NJ Commuters Urged to Work from Home for World Cup

Commuters in New York and New Jersey should plan to work from home during the 2026 World Cup, transit officials said. Kathryn Garcia, Port Authority Executive Director, urged residents with the ability to work remotely to do so during the tournament in June 2026. The region's public transit system is expected to be pushed to its limits as MetLife Stadium hosts some of the tournament's biggest matches, including the final.

Transit System Faces Unprecedented Demand

The World Cup will test the capacity of the region's transit infrastructure in ways rarely seen, officials said. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host multiple high-profile matches, drawing massive crowds to an area that already experiences heavy commuter traffic. Around 40,000 fans are anticipated to use mass transit for each match, according to transit officials. Garcia emphasized that both New York City and New Jersey will experience incredible congestion during the tournament, making normal commuting patterns difficult to maintain.

Fares Surge, Penn Station Access Restricted

NJ Transit tickets from New York City to MetLife Stadium are expected to cost approximately $150 round trip, which is 775% higher than the usual $12.90 fare. The NJ Transit section of Penn Station will be closed to anyone not attending World Cup events for four hours before each game and three hours after, officials confirmed. Transit officials warned against using rideshare services like Uber or illegal taxis, strongly encouraging the use of public transit instead. The restrictions aim to prioritize stadium-bound passengers and prevent overcrowding at the transit hub.

Rush Hour Matches Pose Biggest Challenge

World Cup matches scheduled for June 22 and June 30 are expected to cause significant disruption as they overlap with rush hour, transit officials said. Officials have already urged residents to avoid commuting unless they're attending a game or event on match days. The combination of regular commuter traffic and tens of thousands of soccer fans will create extraordinary congestion throughout the transit system during these peak conflict times.

Riders Should Plan Ahead for Tournament

Commuters who can't work from home should expect major delays and crowding throughout the tournament, officials said. Transit agencies recommend planning alternative routes and allowing extra travel time on match days. Moovit provides real-time updates for NJ Transit and regional transit services to help riders navigate schedule changes and crowding during the World Cup.