By: Meyer Wolfsheim

Tri-state transit officials are warning New York and New Jersey commuters to work remotely during next summer’s FIFA World Cup, acknowledging the region’s already strained transportation network could be pushed to its limits, as the NY Post reported.

With matches set to take place at MetLife Stadium—including the tournament final—officials say tens of thousands of additional travelers flooding the system each game day will create unprecedented congestion across rail lines, stations, and surrounding roadways. As the NY Post reported, authorities are now openly urging everyday commuters to avoid traveling altogether if they are not attending matches.

Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia delivered the blunt message during a recent briefing, warning that both New York City and northern New Jersey will be overwhelmed during key dates in June. According to the NY Post, Garcia said anyone with the flexibility to work from home should do so, emphasizing that the region will be “incredibly congested.”

The concern isn’t limited to trains. Officials also took aim at rideshare services like Uber, cautioning that they will not be a viable workaround during the tournament. As the NY Post reported, Garcia discouraged commuters from relying on ride-hailing apps or illegal taxis, instead urging travelers to stick with public transit despite mounting criticism over costs and access.

That warning comes as transit agencies scramble to handle massive demand centered around MetLife Stadium, which is expected to host some of the World Cup’s biggest matches. Roughly 40,000 fans per game are projected to rely on public transportation, putting enormous pressure on hubs like Penn Station, one of the busiest rail stations in the country.

To manage the surge, officials are planning sweeping restrictions that could directly impact daily commuters. As the NY Post reported, the NJ Transit section of Penn Station will be closed to non-ticket holders for hours before and after each match—effectively locking out regular riders during peak periods.

The disruption is expected to be especially severe on key match days such as June 22 and June 30, when games overlap with rush hour. Officials warned that the back-and-forth flow of fans between New York and New Jersey will create major bottlenecks, further complicating an already fragile commuting system.

At the same time, the cost of getting to the games is drawing backlash. As the NY Post reported, round-trip train tickets from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium are expected to reach roughly $150—a staggering increase from the usual $12.90 fare, representing a roughly 775% spike.

Despite the steep price tag, officials continue to insist that public transit remains the only realistic option for moving large crowds efficiently. They argue that limiting car traffic and discouraging rideshares is essential to preventing gridlock around the stadium and nearby highways.

Still, critics say the messaging highlights a deeper issue: the region’s infrastructure may not be equipped to handle an event of this magnitude without severely disrupting daily life.