Fans attending FIFA World Cup matches in the United States may face sharply higher transport costs, with train fares to New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium rising to $150 for a round trip. Authorities say the increase is aimed at recovering operational expenses linked to hosting the tournament.
Transport officials confirmed that the fare from Manhattan’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will be nearly 12 times the usual $12.90 cost for the 15-minute journey. With limited parking available, around 40,000 fans are expected to rely on public transport for each match.
MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, will host eight matches, including the final on July 19. Group stage matches featuring teams such as Brazil, France, Germany and England are scheduled to begin on June 13.
The fare increase comes as New Jersey seeks to manage the financial burden of hosting the tournament.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Officials defend fare hike
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said the pricing decision was necessary to prevent long-term costs being passed on to local commuters. NJ Transit estimates that transporting fans will cost $62 million, with only $14 million covered through external funding.
“This isn't price gouging,” NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri told reporters. “We're literally trying to recoup our costs.”
Sherrill also said the state had inherited an agreement under which FIFA did not contribute to transportation costs. “FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't - I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one,” she said in a social media post.
FIFA responded by stating that prior agreements with host cities included provisions for free transport for fans. “We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor's approach today on fan transportation,” the organisation said.
Other cities keep fares unchanged
Transport costs are also rising in other host locations, though not to the same level. In the Boston area, express buses to Gillette Stadium will cost $95, while train fares have increased to $80 for a round trip, four times the usual rate.
However, several cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston and Kansas City have chosen to maintain standard fares. Kansas City is offering shuttle services for $15, while Houston has kept bus and rail fares between $1.25 and $4.50.
The fare hike in New Jersey has also drawn criticism from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who said, “Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”
Alternative travel options near MetLife Stadium are also limited. Parking at nearby facilities such as the American Dream Mall is priced at $225, adding to the overall cost for fans attending matches.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Transport officials confirmed that the fare from Manhattan’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will be nearly 12 times the usual $12.90 cost for the 15-minute journey. With limited parking available, around 40,000 fans are expected to rely on public transport for each match.
MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, will host eight matches, including the final on July 19. Group stage matches featuring teams such as Brazil, France, Germany and England are scheduled to begin on June 13.
The fare increase comes as New Jersey seeks to manage the financial burden of hosting the tournament.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Officials defend fare hike
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said the pricing decision was necessary to prevent long-term costs being passed on to local commuters. NJ Transit estimates that transporting fans will cost $62 million, with only $14 million covered through external funding.“This isn't price gouging,” NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri told reporters. “We're literally trying to recoup our costs.”
Sherrill also said the state had inherited an agreement under which FIFA did not contribute to transportation costs. “FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't - I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one,” she said in a social media post.
FIFA responded by stating that prior agreements with host cities included provisions for free transport for fans. “We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor's approach today on fan transportation,” the organisation said.
Other cities keep fares unchanged
Transport costs are also rising in other host locations, though not to the same level. In the Boston area, express buses to Gillette Stadium will cost $95, while train fares have increased to $80 for a round trip, four times the usual rate.However, several cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston and Kansas City have chosen to maintain standard fares. Kansas City is offering shuttle services for $15, while Houston has kept bus and rail fares between $1.25 and $4.50.
The fare hike in New Jersey has also drawn criticism from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who said, “Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”
Alternative travel options near MetLife Stadium are also limited. Parking at nearby facilities such as the American Dream Mall is priced at $225, adding to the overall cost for fans attending matches.
(With inputs from Reuters)
