New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) has announced that it will suspend bus and rail services to MetLife Stadium on May 15 and 16, coinciding with a pair of highly anticipated Shakira concerts. This decision comes amid the potential for a strike by NJ Transit engineers, which, if it occurs, would mark the agency’s first work stoppage since 1983.
In a statement shared on social media, NJ Transit highlighted the impact on concert-goers, particularly with the first show already sold out and the venue’s capacity being 82,500. The suspension of service could significantly affect thousands of attendees who might have relied on public transit to reach the stadium.
Discussions are underway to avert the strike, with NJ Transit representatives and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers union set to meet in Washington for mediation. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial, as the potential strike could also disrupt future concert events, including five scheduled shows by Beyoncé starting May 22 at the same venue.
On a broader note, NJ Transit serves around 800,000 passengers daily, amounting to approximately 270 million riders annually. The situation underscores the importance of reliable public transportation, especially during large events.
This development leaves concert attendees needing to reconsider their travel plans for the upcoming performances, while also hopeful for a resolution that can maintain service for the rest of the year’s events at MetLife Stadium.