Report: NJ Transit section of Penn Station to be off-limits before World Cup soccer games

A plan to get soccer fans to the World Cup by train this summer could slightly interrupt the commutes of hurried Long Island Rail Road riders at Penn Station, though not as much as NJ Transit passengers, according to one report.

NorthJersey.com on Monday reported that only those with World Cup tickets would be able to access NJ Transit trains four hours before all eight of the soccer tournament matches taking place at MetLife Stadium in June and July. It reported that Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak passengers will be diverted from Penn entrances on 32nd and 33rd Streets.

The report cited a World Cup transportation plan document and an unnamed official with NJ Transit, which will be transporting fans to and from the international sports event.

In a statement to Newsday, NJ Transit spokesman John Chartier said the World Cup mobility plan is still being finalized and will be announced later this month.

"NJ Transit remains committed to safely transporting 40,000 fans to and from the FIFA matches, while also providing a transportation plan that will minimize the impacts to our regular riders to the greatest extent possible," Chartier said.

LIRR spokesperson Joana Flores directed questions about Penn Station closures to the World Cup Host Committee, but noted that LIRR’s concourse and MTA subway stations at Penn would not be closed.

By Alfonso A. Castillo

alfonso.castillo@newsday.com@alfonsoreports

Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.