New Jersey Transit has cut the price of its criticized World Cup train fare from $150 down to $105 after a wave of public outrage and intervention from Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration.
The railway, which transports spectators from New York’s Pennsylvania Station to MetLife Stadium, is usually priced at just $12.90 for a return trip, but the cost for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at the venue will now be considerably reduced from their originally announced fares, which drew the ire of fans and criticism from FIFA.
NJ Transit Chief Executive Kris Kolluri announced that the price drop was due to the rail service obtaining funding from ‘sponsors and other sources,’ which will permit the lowering of fares by a minimum of 30 percent, without impacting commuters or taxpayers within New Jersey.
Earlier, Governor Sherrill insisted that residents of New Jersey should not be expected to contribute toward the approximate $48m transport costs associated with World Cup fixtures. She added that FIFA, who expect to raise around $11bn from the competition, ” should take a greater responsibility for transport for the fans.”
FIFA was earlier vocal in its disapproval of the original cost, stating it would “likely lead to congestion and delays,” and a diminished fan experience.
Even at its reduced price of $105, fans are still unhappy. The Football Supporters’ Association said the figure was “still far too high for fans travelling from afar.”
World Cup tickets will officially go on sale on May 13, though tickets will need to be pre-booked.
