Travel warning issued today: work from home if you can, it's futbol time in new jersey

Governor Mikie Sherrill and NJ TRANSIT are urging commuters to work remotely Thursday as the evening rush coincides with World Cup travel to MetLife Stadium, where Ecuador and Germany are scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m.

New Jersey commuters are being warned to expect significant travel disruptions Thursday afternoon and evening as the FIFA World Cup match between Ecuador and Germany overlaps with the region’s busiest commuting hours.

Governor Mikie Sherrill is encouraging residents who have the flexibility to work from home to do so, while NJ TRANSIT is implementing special operating plans to accommodate thousands of soccer fans traveling to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Unlike Monday night’s match, which began after much of the evening commute had ended, Thursday’s 4 p.m. kickoff is expected to send event traffic onto roads and rail lines during peak travel hours.

Governor urges commuters to work remotely

In a statement posted on social media, Sherrill encouraged both commuters and fans to plan ahead.

“New Jersey welcomes Ecuador and Germany for another World Cup match,” the governor wrote.

“If you have the flexibility to work remotely, it can help make your commute a little easier on match day.”

She also advised fans traveling to the stadium to monitor travel conditions and use NJ TRANSIT when possible.

“Fans heading to the stadium should plan ahead, monitor travel conditions, and use NJ TRANSIT for the safest and most efficient trip to and from the match,” Sherrill said.

NJ TRANSIT adjusts service for World Cup crowds

State officials have warned that World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium are placing extraordinary demand on the transportation network.

NJ TRANSIT has implemented special schedules for match days, and some New York Penn Station boarding areas may be reserved for passengers holding tickets for event trains during peak periods. Commuters should check the latest NJ TRANSIT advisories before traveling, as operating plans may change throughout the day.

Officials also recommend checking real-time service updates through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app and considering alternative transit options, including PATH service, where practical.

Lawmakers also caution commuters

The New Jersey Assembly Republican caucus also warned residents to prepare for heavier-than-usual congestion.

“NJ commuters: tomorrow is Ecuador vs. Germany at MetLife. 4 PM kickoff,” the caucus posted on X.

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“Monday’s 8 PM start gave commuters a window to get home first. Tomorrow’s 4 PM start doesn’t. Fan travel and evening rush hour are the same window.”

The caucus added, “It’s going to be worse than Monday. Plan now.”

The Ecuador-Germany match is one of several FIFA World Cup games scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium this summer, with officials continuing to encourage commuters to work remotely when possible and allow extra travel time if they must be on the roads or rails.

Key Points

New Jersey officials are urging commuters to work remotely Thursday if possible as World Cup travel coincides with the evening rush.
The Ecuador-Germany match at MetLife Stadium begins at 4 p.m., increasing the likelihood of traffic congestion and crowded NJ TRANSIT service.
Governor Mikie Sherrill, NJ TRANSIT, and legislative leaders are encouraging travelers to monitor conditions and plan ahead.

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