Transport prices for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium have been reduced after fans criticized the original costs. Train fares have dropped from $150 to $98, while shuttle bus tickets were cut from $80 to $20 following backlash from supporters planning to attend the tournament.
Fan criticism leads to price cuts
Thomas Concannon, leader of the Football Supporters' Association England fan group, previously criticized the "astronomical" event pricing, which he described as "completely out of the norm." The price reductions come after strong reactions from fans who found the original fares excessive.
Details of the transport changes
MetLife Stadium, which will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup as part of FIFA's policy on corporate-sponsored names, will host eight matches, including the final and one of England's Group L games. Rail journeys from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue, which is about 18 miles, are normally $12.90 for a return fare.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherril previously criticized FIFA's refusal to subsidize transport at the event and insisted local taxpayers would not foot the bill. Travel at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar was free, and the USA had committed to offering the same perk in its 2018 host agreement. In a tweak to the agreement made in 2023, it was decided that supporters would be able to travel at cost.
Responding to criticism, FIFA also claimed there was no precedent for transport price rises for a major event at MetLife Stadium. In a social media post on Tuesday, Sherril said commercial sponsorship meant the price for the 30-minute train journey could be cut. "Good news: Ahead of NJ Transit World Cup train tickets going on sale, NJ Transit is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money," Sherril wrote. "Thank you to our partners for helping make this possible."
