Transport prices for fans attending matches at MetLife Stadium during the upcoming FIFA World Cup have been significantly reduced following criticism from supporters over the initial costs.
Train fares to the stadium have reportedly been reduced from $150 to $98, while shuttle bus tickets dropped from $80 to $20 after backlash from football fans planning to attend the tournament.
Key Highlights:
- Transport fares for fans attending FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium were reduced after backlash from supporters.
- Train ticket prices dropped from $150 to $98, while shuttle bus fares were cut from $80 to $20.
- Fans and supporter groups criticised the original prices as excessively high compared to normal transport costs.
- Mikie Sherrill opposed using taxpayer money to subsidise FIFA transport expenses.
- FIFA said sponsorship agreements helped make the fare reductions possible ahead of the tournament.
The stadium, which will temporarily be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the competition in line with FIFA sponsorship rules, is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the final and one of England’s Group L fixtures.
Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters’ Association England fan group had earlier criticised the pricing, describing the charges as “astronomical” and far outside normal event transport costs.
Regular return rail trips from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue reportedly cost about $12.90, making the original World Cup transport prices a major source of outrage among supporters.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also criticised FIFA’s refusal to subsidise transportation, insisting that local taxpayers would not bear the financial burden.
Transport services were offered free of charge during previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar, and the United States had initially committed to a similar arrangement in its 2018 hosting agreement.
However, the arrangement was reportedly revised in 2023, allowing supporters to travel at cost instead.
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Following the criticism, FIFA stated there was no precedent for such transport price increases at major events hosted at MetLife Stadium.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Governor Sherrill announced that commercial sponsorship agreements helped make the fare reduction possible.
“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,” she wrote.
She also thanked partner organisations involved in helping reduce the costs for fans.
