Massive Pokemon Go Game Could Bring 90K People To NJ Town

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Traffic may be tied up in North Jersey this weekend — and extra trains will be running — all because people will be trying to catch Pokemon.

In fact, as many as 90,000 people may converge on one densely populated city.

The state of New Jersey has issued a rare traffic advisory for Hudson County, warning of heavy traffic the weekend of June 6 through 8.

"Liberty State Park will host Pokémon GO Fest from Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8," the state said. "This large-scale event is expected to attract thousands of attendees each day. Motorists and park visitors are advised to expect heavy traffic in and around Liberty State Park during this period, especially along Freedom Way, Phillip Street, Morris Pesin Drive and Audrey Zapp Drive."

Jersey City officials said as many as 90,000 people may arrive to play the game.

Pokemon Go is a game in which players try to catch various fantasy creatures in different locations. The "Fest" is a meetup for players from all over the world.

Complicating matters is that Jersey City and Hudson County are among the most densely populated areas in the country — but on the plus side, they're criscrossed by mass transit, which the state encouraged participants to take.

Liberty State Park, perched near the Hudson River, has its own light rail stop.

On Tuesday, NJ Transit said it will add service for the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, which runs to Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Weehawken, and North Bergen.

Residents of Manhattan and other New Jersey cities can take a PATH or NJ Transit train or a ferry to Hoboken, then change for the light rail to the Liberty State Park stop.

The state said, "To minimize travel disruptions: Consider public transportation (including Light Rail and Liberty Landing Ferry). Allow for additional travel time when commuting in the area. Follow all posted signage and directions from law enforcement and State Park Police. All vehicles visiting the park must enter through Audrey Zapp Drive only."

Parking within Liberty State Park is limited to park visitors not attending Pokémon GO Fest, the state said. For parking for the Fest, see below.

Parking for Pokémon GO Fest And Free Shuttle to Liberty State Park

Parking for Pokémon GO Fest is available at the Newport Mall Garage (561 Washington Blvd., Jersey City) for a discounted rate of $7 for the
day, the state said.

A free dedicated shuttle for Pokémon GO Fest will be located on corner of 11th Street and Mall Drive East. It will run to and from Liberty State Park’sCentral Railroad of New Jersey Terminal building every 20 minutes from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Internal Liberty State Park Shuttle

Liberty State Park also has a free internal park shuttle which will run throughout the event from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More information about the Liberty State Park shuttle is here.

For Liberty State Park updates and information, visit: libertystatepark.nj.gov.