NRBP's Transportation Symposium Returns with FIFA Prep Discussion

(l-r: Christian Dreyer, FIFA 2026 NY/NJ Host Committee; Michael Brown. PANYNJ; Fran O’Connor, NJDOT; Kris Kollri, NJTransit; Elliot Hamlisch, Amtrak; John Gooda, United Airlines)

Newark, NJ — [November 26, 2025] — As the region looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New Jersey transportation, public safety, and infrastructure agencies gathered at the Transportation Symposium, a production of the Newark Regional Business Partnership’s (NRBP) Transportation Council. Held at Rutgers University-Newark, this program highlighted lessons learned from prior large-scale events and shared ongoing preparations for one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. Returning this year after a yearslong hiatus, the symposium provided a timely platform for public and private sector leaders—representing a range of organizations and firms in the transportation industry—to exchange insights, discuss preparedness plans, and highlight the range of interagency collaboration.

Moderated by Christian Dreyer, Chief Operations Officer, FIFA World Cup 26™, New York New Jersey Host Committee.

The panel included:
Jon Gooda, Vice President – Newark Hub, United Airlines
Eliot Hamlisch, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Amtrak
Michael Brown, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Port Authority of NY & NJ (PANYNJ)
Kris Kolluri, Esq., President & CEO, NJ Transit
Fran O’Connor, Commissioner, NJ Department of Transportation

The discussion emphasized the region’s commitment to high-quality transportation for residents, fans, and international visitors, while showcasing New Jersey’s ability to host world-class events on a massive scale.

“[This] conversation underscored exactly what makes this region ready to host one of the most significant global events of our time: collaboration, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class experience next summer,” said Christian Dreyer. “Our region's transportation and public-safety partners are doing the critical, behind-the-scenes work that will ensure fans can move safely and efficiently across the region. The Host Committee is proud to support and amplify that work as we prepare to welcome the world.” 

The event explored lessons learned from prior major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and other large-scale gatherings, and how these insights are informing plans for the 2026 event.

“The New Jersey Department of Transportation plays a critical role in providing safe highway access to the FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium and the Fan Festival at Liberty State Park,” O’Connor said. “We have upgraded Intelligent Transportation Systems, including the first-in-nation use of LiDAR to create a 3D digital map of the roads around MetLife Stadium to help assess traffic issues in real time. NJDOT has also improved signage, upgraded interchanges to reduce congestion, and we’re working with NJ TRANSIT on dedicated bus lanes to help ensure visitors get where they need to go safely and efficiently.”

Kolluri added, “NJ TRANSIT is proud to be part of a coordinated effort to prepare the region's transportation systems for the scale and complexity of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, including seven matches—and the Final—right here in New Jersey. This symposium was an important opportunity to share how we’re applying lessons learned to deliver not just mobility, but a great customer experience from the moment fans arrive.”

Amtrak’s Hamlisch shared that it is “prepared to play a critical role in delivering safe, reliable, and seamless travel for World Cup fans, especially across the Northeast Corridor.  With ridership continuing to break records, [Amtrak] remain focused on running a world-class railroad, serving as a trusted partner to peer agencies, and ensuring [its] infrastructure is ready to accommodate millions of new and returning guests.

From contingency planning for emergencies to insights drawn from prior large-scale events, this year’s Transportation Symposium highlighted both the complexity of hosting an event of this scale and the critical importance of collaboration among public agencies, private partners, and community stakeholders.

Gooda remarked: “It was an honor to join New Jersey’s transportation leaders for a productive discussion on how our region is preparing for the World Cup. At United, we’re ready to welcome travelers from around the globe and look forward to collaborating with other agencies to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all.” 

FIFA 2026 is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits, with increased tourism, hotel occupancy, and restaurant and retail activity. Panelists emphasized that these investments in staffing, infrastructure, and operational planning will leave lasting improvements for the region’s transportation network and event management capabilities.

 “We are incredibly proud to have successfully re-launched the Transportation Symposium this year,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, NRBP’s President and CEO.  “The remarkable engagement among state agencies, transportation industry leaders, and private sector partners is a powerful endorsement of this symposium’s value. It highlights the absolute importance of sustained knowledge-sharing, which is foundational to strengthening our region’s transportation systems. This successful reboot is a promise kept, and NRBP looks forward to the symposium’s continued evolution as a permanent and indispensable annual forum for advancing New Jersey’s transportation and infrastructure future.”

Brown emphasized that “this region’s security, mobility, and economic strength depend on how well we work together across borders and across agencies. At the Port Authority, we’re proud to help anchor that collaboration, building the relationships, coordination, and shared planning needed to deliver a seamless experience during major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. NRBP’s Transportation Symposium bringing these partners together is invaluable, creating connections that will strengthen the region long after the tournament concludes.”

The 2025 Transportation Symposium was sponsored by TD Bank (Real Estate, Economics & Development Series Sponsor), Rutgers University-Newark (Host Sponsor), HNTB Corporation, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Tonio Burgos and Associates, and United Airlines (Event Sponsors).
 
About the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP)
The Newark Regional Business Partnership is the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region. NRBP’s mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. The organization represents hundreds of corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions dedicated to fostering economic vitality and competitiveness in Newark and the surrounding metropolitan area. www.newarkrbp.org