Transport Prices for World Cup Matches at MetLife Stadium Reduced After Fan Backlash

Transport costs for fans attending World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium have been reduced following heavy criticism from supporters over the original prices.

Train fares for match days were initially set at $150 (£111), but the price has now been reduced to $98 (£73). Shuttle bus tickets also dropped significantly from $80 (£59) to $20 (£15) after football fans complained that the charges were too expensive.

The stadium, which will temporarily be called New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup because of FIFA’s rules against corporate-sponsored venue names, is expected to host eight matches, including the tournament final and one of England’s Group L fixtures.

Before the reduction, many supporters expressed frustration over the high transport fees, especially since a normal return train journey from Penn Station to the stadium usually costs only $12.90 (£9.50). The trip between Manhattan and the venue takes around 30 minutes and covers about 18 miles.

Thomas Concannon, who leads the England supporters’ group under the Football Supporters’ Association, had earlier criticised the prices, describing them as “astronomical” and far outside normal event costs.

Meanwhile, Mikie Sherrill also criticised FIFA’s decision not to subsidise transportation for fans. She insisted that local taxpayers in New Jersey would not be responsible for covering the transport costs.

At previous World Cups held in Russia and Qatar, fans were allowed to use public transportation for free during the tournament. Reports also stated that the United States had earlier agreed to provide similar benefits when it signed the hosting agreement in 2018.

However, after changes were made to the agreement in 2023, organisers decided that supporters would instead pay transport costs at operational rates.

Following the backlash, FIFA defended itself by saying there had never been such a sharp increase in transport prices for a major event at the stadium before.

In a statement shared on social media, Governor Sherrill announced that commercial sponsorship support helped reduce the ticket prices without using taxpayer funds.

According to her:

“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.

“Thank you to our partners for helping make this possible.”