NJ TRANSIT hosted a workshop at Rutgers Newark in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will include the finals and seven additional matches at MetLife Stadium. The event brought together transit leaders and event-planning experts from around the world to discuss best practices for large-scale events. The workshop was organized in partnership with the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT).
“This partnership with UITP and Rutgers CAIT allows us to take best practices from around the globe and incorporate them in our planning to make this the best World Cup ever,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This workshop represents a key component of our broader strategy to ensure the best possible transit experience for all those attending the FIFA 2026 World Cup Finals, along with the seven additional matches at MetLife Stadium.”
Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, Co-Host City Managers of the FIFA World Cup 26™ NYNJ Host Committee, emphasized the importance of transportation efficiency. “With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ less than two years away, there is a concentrated focus on transportation, infrastructure, and security efficiencies for the highly anticipated Final match,” they said. “Working in tandem with NJ Transit and leveraging the expertise of UITP and Rutgers CAIT, we’re committed to further enhancing our transportation system and making the FIFA World Cup 2026™ a remarkable experience for all who visit.”
Secretary General of UITP Mohamed Mezghani highlighted public transit's role in successful large events. "Public transit is essential to make large events successful," he said. "Major gatherings offer the opportunity to upgrade and extend transit systems which will not only benefit visitors but also exist as a legacy for citizens."
Rutgers CAIT Director Dr. Ali Maher spoke about cross-agency collaboration: “A successful FIFA World Cup 2026 will require cross-agency collaboration to ensure transportation infrastructure is reliable, accessible, and accommodates the diverse needs of millions of fans worldwide.” He noted that this workshop was just one among many planned to share best practices.
The conference covered topics such as crowd management, security, mobility/transport management, integrated ticketing, travel information, and wayfinding. Notable participants included Sir Peter Hendy, former commissioner of Transport for London during the 2012 Olympic Games; Felicia Alexander from the U.S. Department of Transportation; Lauren LaRusso from New York New Jersey Host Committee; among others.
NJ TRANSIT has previously managed large crowds successfully at MetLife Stadium events including concerts by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
NJ TRANSIT operates as one of America's largest statewide public transportation systems providing over 925,000 weekday trips across multiple modes including bus routes, light rail lines, commuter rail lines, and paratransit services.
Rutgers CAIT focuses on addressing critical infrastructure challenges within high-volume multimodal corridors like those found in Northeast America.
UITP supports sustainable urban transport policies globally with over 1,900 members across more than 100 countries.
