Edison Township is launching a $2 shuttle service to connect residents and visitors to World Cup watch parties across the township as the first match at the New York-New Jersey stadium approaches.
The shuttle will operate on a continuous loop with stops throughout Edison, allowing riders to park once and travel between multiple locations showing the games.
"Edison is so big. It's very diverse. There's a lot of spots having watch parties, showing the games, and I think Edison is going to bring everybody together with this transportation," said Kevin Luna, whose family owns Edison TexMex Deli. "I think a lot of people will come through."
Mayor Sam Joshi said the service will connect destinations across town, allowing local fans and visitors to experience the World Cup locally.
"There's a huge influx of visitors coming from all over, and we don't want to have to have them drive from bar to bar," he said.
The shuttle will run on each World Cup match day, beginning several hours before kickoff and continuing after matches end.
Stops on the route include:
- Inman Grove Shopping Center
- Polansky Park
- Chili’s (Oak Tree Road)
- Menlo Park Mall
- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
- Amboy Avenue
- Edison Towne Square
- Elixir
- Edison Tex-Mex (Woodbridge Avenue)
- Festival Plaza
The service on game days is expected to serve as a pilot program for a broader transportation initiative coming to Edison.
"The bus stops that are going to happen toward the end of the year, they'll be a little bit different, modified based on the needs of the public," Joshi said.
The township is also operating a Restaurant Passport program for the length of the World Cup.
The township plans to distribute between 10,000 and 20,000 passports. Each booklet will list more than 400 restaurants in Edison. Every participating restaurant will offer a unique stamp to diners based on its type of cuisine.