⚽ NJ Transit may restrict Penn Station access before World Cup games
⚽ Security concerns include world leaders, large crowds, and flares
⚽NJ Transit’s CEO vows commuters won’t subsidize increased World Cup costs
EAST RUTHERFORD — Security concerns are the main reason NJ Transit is considering closing New York Penn Station during World Cup game days.
NorthJersey.com was first to report that the busiest train station in the country could be closed to all NJ Transit riders except those with game tickets for four hours before the kick-off of eight World Cup games at MetLife Stadium. NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said three of the four games are during weekday non-peak hours.
Kolluri told the Senate Budget Committee there are several major reasons for the restriction. He told the committee that the heads of 14 nations, including the United States, will be attending the games. The station being open to anyone during normal circumstances presents a serious risk.
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Security risks and crowd control drive NJ Transit mobility plan
NJ Transit will be transporting 40,000 fans to each game, with 28,000 passing through New York Penn Station, according to Kolluri. NJ Transit does not own the station but is working with Amtrak and New York City officials on a mobility plan, which has not yet been announced. There is more to the plan than has been reported, according to Kolluri…