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New York's 2026 World Cup transport plans are already facing scrutiny after early fan experiences highlighted lengthy delays on the official shuttle bus service between Manhattan and MetLife Stadium.
With concerns already raised over expensive train fares, some supporters are now suggesting there may be a better alternative for fans travelling to matches in New Jersey.
Early transport reviews highlight challenges for World Cup fans
The official World Cup shuttle buses were introduced as a cheaper alternative to NJ Transit rail services, which have attracted criticism after charging $98 (£75) for a return journey during the tournament.
However, the first major test of the system appears to have exposed some teething problems.
The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton revealed that the return journey from MetLife Stadium to New York proved particularly challenging, claiming it took around 90 minutes to board a bus before spending more than two additional hours stuck in traffic returning to Manhattan.
He suggested that more supporters using rail services would help ease congestion, although the cost of train tickets remains a major barrier for many fans.
Meanwhile, The England Pod host Ali Maxwell suggested another option may prove more effective after his own experience.
“Based on our experience last night, I think maybe the Uber shuttle may be the overall best bet, if you know how/where to get it,” he wrote on social media.
The comments provide one of the first real-world insights into how transport systems are coping with World Cup crowds around MetLife Stadium.
FGG says: England fans should take note before Panama clash
England supporters heading to New Jersey for the Panama group-stage match would be wise to pay attention to these early reviews.
The official buses remain significantly cheaper than the heavily criticised £75 train service, but lengthy queues and gridlocked traffic could quickly eat into matchday plans.
At this stage, there appears to be no perfect solution.
However, if the experiences of early visitors are anything to go by, exploring Uber shuttle options and alternative transport routes before travelling could save supporters both time and frustration.
With some of the tournament's biggest crowds still to come at MetLife Stadium, transport is shaping up to be almost as important as the football itself.