Public transportation to fuel movement for Super Bowl

Public transportation will serve as a critical resource for the NY/NJ Super Bowl by supporting the movement of the hundreds of thousands of expected visitors to the area, according to planners of the massive event.

Additionally, plans include introducing a “Fan Express” coach bus service, which will be a primary vehicle for ticketed guests to travel to the game.

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More than 400,000 visitors are expected to the region for game-related events, and about 80,000 will attend the game on Sunday, Feb. 2. With public transportation (video) serving a critical function during Super Bowl week, each involved transportation agency will play a role.

Preparations include the creation of "unlimited ride" passes, capital improvements at transit centers, extended service on select rail lines, and consumer-marketing initiatives, such as Super Bowl-branded cards and passes and, for the first time, a special Regional Transit Diagram.

Parking at the game will be at a premium, with fewer than 13,000 spaces at MetLife Stadium available by permit only. Strict limitations will be placed on passenger drop-offs. Taxis and black cars will not be allowed to conduct passenger drop-offs at the Stadium. All taxi and car services will be required to purchase a permit to gain access and need to remain onsite all day while for passengers in a secure lot. It is estimated that approximately 70% of game attendees will need to arrive by mass transportation — via bus, train and high occupancy vehicles.

Resources will be greatly enhanced on game day, including a coach bus service option offered by the Host Committee called the “Fan Express.” Transit agencies will also offer extended rail service and expedited access on major roadways.

Collectively, during Super Bowl week, NJ TRANSIT, PATH, MTA and Amtrak, will provide more frequent rail service and faster connections to support expected visitors to Super Bowl Boulevard (located on Broadway, between 34th and 47th Streets) and other miscellaneous, high-profile events throughout the region. The transit agencies will each halt ongoing construction for an agency-specific timeframe during Super Bowl week and weekend.