NJ Transit Cuts World Cup Train Fare to $105 After Outcry
NJ Transit has reduced round-trip train tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from $150 to $105. The agency cited additional monetary support from sponsors and other sources for the price cut. The adjustment follows public backlash over the initial fares.
The FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee and NJ Transit had announced the $150 tickets earlier. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill criticized the pricing, urging FIFA to cover fan transport costs. A Sherrill spokesperson stated she directed NJ Transit to seek private funding to lower fares, appreciating companies that contributed.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the original $150 price, noting the tournament would cost the agency $48 million overall, or $6 million per game, to transport 40,000 people. He argued the regular $12.90 fare would force commuters to subsidize 92% of the expense. MetLife Stadium has banned parking and limited ride-sharing, boosting expected train use.
Penn Station will restrict access to matchgoers four hours before kickoffs, with officials urging residents to avoid nonessential travel on game days. The first match at the stadium occurs on June 13.
