Does anyone know when the buses start leaving from Port Authority? (I'm looking to get to GS around 2 p.m. with 10 other people) And speaking of which, is the Metro Front Office planning extra buses for the opener? Many thanks, -JS
JS, according to: http://www.njtransit.com/ta_customer_notice_project.jsp?ID=581 For the Metrostars vs. DC United on April 17: Service to Giants Stadium will begin operating at 2:00 p.m., continuing as necessary up to 30 minutes after game start time. Buses will depart from PABT (41st Street & 8th Avenue) from Gate 207.
Lowecifer, The tend not to leave Port Authority until they've filled up, but run continuously until the game begins. Make sure to buy a ticket at the ticket booth in the rear of the station before you board.
Make sure you buy a ROUND-TRIP ticket at the ticket booth. Last year it was $7 round-trip. You can pay on the bus, but it's $4 and they don't give change.
I don't know how much MFO has to do with NJT adding buses other than telling them they expect a larger than normal crowd. I've only had trouble getting to one Metro game in all the years I've been going and the was the Ecuador/Bulgaria doubleheader on a Wednesday night when over 40,000 people showed up. Between the week day rush hour traffic at the tunnel and the way longer than normal lines it took over 2 hours to get to GS. I don't expect that kind of problem Saturday but do plan on being at PA no later than 2:30. I like to get there in time to watch the warm ups and that should be more than enough time.
NJSEA tells the NJTransit peeps how much to expect, NJTransit plugs those numbers into it's fancy new math calculators and determines how many buses to operate. So, it's up to the utterly incompetent NJSEA to advise the very incompetent in their own right NJTransit to figure it out the best business decision. You are relying on them, so best to get there early and expect a fkup or two.
Then can anybody get me a ride from Long Island then, because the bus is the only feasible way I can make the game (other than shelling out an extra $25 or so on tolls gas etc...)
a side question.. I have a group of people taking the bus to the game, and one guy from jersey driving to it to meet us. I have all the tix. In case this guy hits traffic, or is late for some reason (he has been known..), can we go in early, and still get him his ticket, by coming out? or will I stuck outside having to wait for him.. I dont remember the exact setup as far as no re-admission, etc.
Unfortunately, you'll be stuck waiting for him. GS doesn't allow you to return once you've exited the stadium.
Yeah, the entire area is surrounded by a fence, so you could hand him a ticket. Best shot is to have a cell phone with you, and have him meet you near one of the gates (Gate D for example, you can hand stuff to people on either side of the entrance booth).