Thousands of Shakira fans heading to MetLife Stadium are facing unexpected challenges due to a looming New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) rail strike. When fans purchased tickets months ago, the possibility of a transit shutdown was not on anyone’s radar. However, with the potential strike by New Jersey Transit rail engineers looming, the agency preemptively suspended all train and bus services to and from the venue for Thursday and Friday concerts. The decision came even before the midnight negotiation deadline with the engineers’ union.
Attendees expressed concern and frustration over the sudden change. “I heard them talking about this, could be one of the largest ones in what—40 years, I thought I read,” said Joe Lostumbo, a concertgoer from Flemington. “That’s gotta impact.” NJ Transit issued an apology, citing the need to ensure all travelers across the network reach their destinations by 11:59 p.m., should the strike occur.
Alternative Transport Measures Fall Short
While some attendees found alternate means of transportation, many still faced complications. Brian Vinik from Hell’s Kitchen said, “We were originally hoping to use New Jersey Transit, kind of go-to way to get from the city out here to relatively middle of nowhere.” He noted that while MetLife Stadium and Shakira’s team communicated well about alternatives like Coach buses, the experience lacked the ease and convenience of NJ Transit strike.
Fans expressed mixed feelings about the situation. “I feel bad for all the people who paid for tickets and rely on public transportation to come here,” said Nicole Alzamora. “But at the same time, as a union worker, I support the people who work for New Jersey Transit.”
Students and others who rely on public transportation were especially impacted. Randy Feliz, a student at Montclair State University with family in the Bronx, shared his dilemma: “Taking a Lyft home is going to be very expensive, so I think I’m just going to have to stay back.”
Agencies Scramble to Ease Congestion
With the suspension of NJ Transit services, other transportation providers and public agencies are stepping in to reduce disruption. Uber reached out to MetLife Stadium and the Port Authority, requesting more frequent PATH train service to and from Hoboken and the establishment of a dedicated shuttle bus. However, the Port Authority responded by clarifying its limitations.
A spokesperson stated that while PATH would monitor stations, deploy additional officers, and adjust service as needed, it does not operate a large-scale shuttle bus network like New Jersey Transit. The Port Authority also announced it would delay overnight lane closures at the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge until at least 1 a.m. to accommodate post-concert traffic.
Despite these efforts, delays and surge pricing are expected to continue throughout the affected days, leaving thousands of concertgoers navigating a transportation puzzle that few could have anticipated.
