Concerns Over NJ Transit’s Performance Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Newark, NJ — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Jersey, concerns are mounting over the state’s ability to handle the influx due to persistent issues with NJ Transit. Over the past few months, NJ Transit has faced numerous problems, including delays, cancellations, and late arrivals, particularly in North Jersey.
Visitors to the World Cup will likely stay in hotels across New York City and North Jersey, relying heavily on mass transit to travel to the matches. However, NJ Transit’s recent performance raises questions about its reliability. The agency has experienced significant disruptions, attributed to infrastructure problems such as issues with the century-old Portal Bridge, power outages, and signal failures.
Governor Phil Murphy has recently increased corporate taxes for businesses with annual sales exceeding $10 million, yet admits there is currently no comprehensive plan to address the systemic problems plaguing NJ Transit. The agency is also grappling with financial difficulties, which compound its operational challenges.
No major changes are expected between now and the start of the World Cup, but Murphy says the state is looking into the problems that currently plague the New Jersey Transit system and the latest taxpayer bailout could prove to be too little, too late.
These ongoing issues could pose significant challenges for NJ Transit as it prepares to accommodate the expected surge in ridership during the World Cup. The state’s ability to provide reliable mass transit will be crucial in managing the influx of international visitors and ensuring a positive experience for all attending the event.