World Cup officials seek new transportion plan for Soccer City after fans miss opening kickoff

Improved transportation planned for Soccer City

JOHANNESBURG — World Cup and city officials in Johannesburg have met to improve transportation for matches at Soccer City after traffic congestion caused some fans to miss the opening match.

World Cup organizing committee spokesman Rich Mkhondo said Saturday that transportation experts were studying why the sold-out stadium was not full to see South Africa draw 1-1 with Mexico.

Mkhondo said organizers faced transportation “challenges” because too many fans drove cars to Soccer City.

Surrounding roads on Friday were gridlocked, leaving fans, VIP guests and media waiting in lines for four hours.

Mkhondo said fans should use buses and trains, and he hoped to announce improvements before Soccer City hosts the Netherlands-Denmark match Monday.