If you’re a New Yorker seeing Shakira at MetLife this Thursday or Friday, you’re going to have to make a backup plan for transportation.
NJ Transit has preemptively shared that there will be NO NJ TRANSIT Rail or Bus Service to MetLife Stadium from NYC for both the May 15 and May 16 shows. With Thursday’s show fully sold-out, it will have major impacts on attendees.
This is due to a planned strike of NJ Transit by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Union, which is set to begin Friday, May 16. Although negotiations could be reached before then, as the groups are currently in Washington D.C. trying to come to agreed terms, at the moment it looks like the strike will go through.
Either way, there will be no train or bus service by NJ Transit from NY to NJ this weekend, which leaves many concert goers in the lurch.
How else can I get there?
MetLife has shared other transportation options on their website, but they are limited. And, of course, since the regular public transportation options will not be available, these options will likely create lots of crowding and traffic. So be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there and arrive early.
Option 1
Use Coach USA bus service. This private bus company will be providing service between NYC and NJ, but you must book seats ahead of time. You can purchase tickets for the 351 Meadowlands Express on the Megabus Website here.
Option 2
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft). Of course rideshare companies/taxis are always an option, but keep in mind that there will likely be an increase in the number of people booking vehicles which could cause major delays and also surge pricing, especially after the concert finishes. Wait times could go up to two hours.
Option 3
Driving. Of course if you have a car you can always drive to MetLife. The parking lot will open at 2:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concert. The parking fee is $40 per car.
MetLife encourages carpooling and also notes to expect heavy traffic and arrive as early as possible.
What about the Beyoncé concert at MetLife next weekend?
There is no saying how long the strike will last, but there is a good chance it could expand to next weekend. The 351 Express Bus has already listed bus routes and available tickets for all of Beyonce’s shows on their website:
- Beyoncé (May 22)
- Bus tickets: Thursday, May 22
- Buses will depart from 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenue (Area X).
- Beyoncé (May 24 & 25)
- Bus tickets: Saturday, May 24; Sunday, May 25
- Buses will depart from Gates 411-415.
- Beyoncé (May 28 & 29)
- Bus tickets: Wednesday, May 28; Thursday, May 29
- Buses will depart from 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenue (Area X).
Still, no specific announcement about transportation for next week’s concert has been made yet by NJ Transit. Stay tuned for more.