The New Jersey Republican Party today called out the Sherrill Administration following widespread transportation chaos at MetLife Stadium during the FIFA World Cup opener, where thousands of fans were left stranded for hours amid transit delays, rideshare gridlock, and overcrowded pickup zones.
“For Governor Sherrill, NJ Transit breakdowns are a distraction from her glamorous evening pressing the flesh with fellow elites. On the ground, New Jerseyans and visitors were left to live with the consequences of her failed leadership—an unfortunately poetic reflection of her priorities,” said NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon.
While fans were left stranded for hours amid gridlock, rideshare breakdowns, and limited transit access, Gov. Mikie Sherrill attended the match at MetLife Stadium and was photographed with other elected officials, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“At a moment when New Jersey was on the global stage, the Sherrill Administration failed its most basic responsibility: moving people safely and efficiently,” Hanlon said. “Fans from around the world were left stranded for hours while state officials congratulated themselves on a transportation plan that clearly fell short.”
Visiting soccer fans attempting to leave Saturday’s match between Brazil and Morocco reported long waits extending past midnight, limited transit access, and confusion at designated pickup areas. NJGOP said the experience reflects a complete breakdown in planning and execution by state leadership.
Reports from attendees and local media described severe congestion around rideshare pickup zones at the Meadowlands, inconsistent shuttle availability, and limited access to departing trains and buses following the 8:30 p.m. kickoff. Some fans reported waiting well past midnight to leave the stadium complex.
NJGOP also questioned the administration’s transportation planning, including round-trip transit fares reaching as high as $98, which critics argued discouraged transit use and pushed more attendees toward already congested roadways and rideshare services.
“This was entirely predictable. When you price families out of public transit and fail to coordinate basic logistics, you don’t get success. You get gridlock. Aside from an on-train photo op, this clearly was not on the Governor’s mind,” Hanlon concluded.
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