There was another kind of victory this World Cup season, and it wasn't just on the soccer field. New Jersey Transit, previously criticized for its chaotic handling of transportation during the 2014 Super Bowl, successfully managed the influx of soccer enthusiasts traveling to and from MetLife Stadium throughout the World Cup—this time without a hitch.

For New York City metropolitan area residents, who are all too familiar with the woes of New Jersey's transit system, the smooth operation came as a pleasant surprise. The system, which had been under fire for years, seemed to have turned a corner. "The curse of Super Bowl 2014 is over," declared NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri in a triumphant interview from the agency’s command center located in the MetLife parking lot.

This year’s logistics were a stark contrast to the 2014 Super Bowl, where severe delays plagued fans trying to navigate through the marshy areas surrounding the stadium. Despite fewer passengers than anticipated this time around—attributed to ample parking at a nearby mall and a competing, cheaper bus service funded by New York Governor Kathy Hochul—the transit system managed to function seamlessly even amid challenging weather conditions and other potential disruptions.

Kolluri, surrounded by his dedicated team, transformed a routine interview into an inspiring pep rally. With the backdrop of ongoing World Cup events, a Yankees game, and a Bon Jovi concert in nearby New York City, the transit screens showed a steady flow of trains and buses operating smoothly. "The only reason why this worked is because of an extraordinary team who knew we were the underdog, and we were not going to let each other down," he emphasized.

The financial cost of these extensive preparations, which included having 80 additional train cars on standby to expedite the post-game exodus, is still being calculated. However, the success of the operation has undoubtedly provided a much-needed boost to the reputation of NJ Transit, proving that with the right team and planning, even the underdogs can have their day.