A Clash of Schedules
New Jersey commuters who hoped to catch the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals on June 16 will have to adjust their travel plans, as NJ Transit has decided not to modify its World Cup train schedule. The decision comes despite a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford coinciding with the potential Finals game at Madison Square Garden.
Penn Station, which sits beneath Madison Square Garden, will be reserved for World Cup ticket holders for four hours before and three hours after each match. That restriction forces fans traveling from New Jersey to Manhattan to switch to PATH trains after the last NJ Transit services depart at 5:08 p.m. from Newark Broad Street and 5:23 p.m. from Newark Penn.
Transit Priorities in a Packed Weekend
The policy applies to all eight World Cup games scheduled in New Jersey, including the final on July 19, and reflects a broader strategy that prioritizes soccer tourists over local sports fans. NJ Transit's stance has drawn criticism, especially after a recent fare hike for World Cup events that was later softened to $98 with assistance from sponsors.
Madison Square Garden's location atop Penn Station makes it a critical hub for Garden State residents, yet the transit agency's focus on soccer infrastructure underscores the competing demands of major sporting events in the region.