RismadarVoice Reporters, May 13, 2026
Transport fares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in New Jersey have been reduced following widespread backlash from football fans over what they described as excessive travel costs.
According to reports by BBC Sport on Wednesday, train and shuttle bus fares to MetLife Stadium officially designated as New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament were initially priced far above standard rates, sparking criticism from supporters.
Rail ticket prices were subsequently reduced from $198 to $98, while shuttle bus fares were cut from $80 to $20.
The stadium is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including one of England’s group-stage games and a semi-final fixture.
The Football Supporters’ Association’s England fan representative, Thomas Concannon, had earlier criticised the original transport charges, describing them as “astronomical” and far outside normal pricing standards.
A typical return train trip from Penn Station in Manhattan to the stadium usually costs about $12.90, highlighting concerns over the earlier fares announced for the tournament.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said the fare reductions were achieved through commercial sponsorship arrangements and would not be funded by taxpayers.
“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,” Sherrill said.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also welcomed the move and announced a 75 per cent reduction in round-trip bus fares, adding that part of the transport allocation would be reserved for New York residents.
Despite the reductions in New Jersey, concerns remain over transport pricing in other World Cup host cities, particularly in Boston, where fans travelling to Foxborough are still expected to face higher-than-normal fares.
