NJ Transit dropped its World Cup round-trip train tickets to metlife stadium from $150 to $105 after backlash over the original price and new monetary support from sponsors and other sources. The lower fare changes the cost for fans riding from New York Penn Station, where service will open only four hours before matches.
Kolluri Defends the $150 Fare
CEO Kris Kolluri said the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million and argued the agency would have to charge $150 to move 40,000 people and cover a $6 million cost per game. He also said that if the regular $12.90 fare were used, commuters would subsidize 92% of the bill.
Kolluri called the tournament “an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey's diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair.”
Sherrill Presses FIFA
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said FIFA should pay for the train tickets, and her spokesperson said, “Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare.” The same spokesperson added, “The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders. She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans.”
FIFA criticized Sherrill's plan and said the expensive train tickets would have a “chilling effect” on the fan experience. NJ Transit then said the lower price was possible because it received monetary support from sponsors and other sources, easing pressure on the fare that had drawn the dispute in the first place.
MetLife Stadium Transit Limits
The fare cut comes with tight travel rules for the summer matches at MetLife Stadium. Parking is prohibited, ride-sharing will be limited, and New York Penn Station will only be open to matchgoers beginning four hours before the start of the game.
For fans, the practical move is simple: the train is now cheaper, but the trip still runs through a controlled transit plan built around limited access and a fixed matchday window.
