New Jersey Readies 500 Buses, 2 Ferries for World Cup as Penn Station Failures Threaten
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 10
New Jersey Readies 500 Buses, 2 Ferries for World Cup as Penn Station Failures Threaten
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 10
Summary
More than 500 buses and two 600-passenger ferries have been set aside to move World Cup fans if Amtrak disruptions cripple service through Penn Station.
The backup route would carry spectators from New York City to Weehawken by ferry, then onward by bus to MetLife Stadium, which hosts eight matches including the final.
NJ Transit chief Kris Kolluri said the plan is also a warning to Amtrak, arguing New Jersey cannot execute FIFA transportation smoothly without reliable Penn Station operations.
Pressure on Amtrak has grown after repeated Penn-area breakdowns and fires, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA chief Janno Lieber publicly criticizing the railroad.
Amtrak says it has been preparing for the tournament for months and will keep repair crews on standby, but aging power systems and a recent Acela mechanical failure remain risks.