With the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, New Jersey Transit announced on Thursday that it will be lowering the fare for the special trains heading to MetLife Stadium from $150 to $105. This price reduction, however, still remains significantly higher than the usual commuter fares.
The New Jersey Transit Authority stated that the fare reduction was made possible through private donations which helped offset some of the costs, although the specific donors and amounts were not disclosed.
Last month, the New Jersey state government announced that special transportation services during the World Cup are expected to cost $48 million, including expenses to meet FIFA’s security requirements, leading to the initial plan of a significant fare increase.
New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri previously stated, “The governor has promised not to pass on the FIFA-related transportation costs to New Jersey’s commuters and taxpayers.” The governor urged the transit authority to seek private sponsorships and alternative funding sources to lower ticket prices for fans.
The announced World Cup transportation measures by New Jersey Transit have sparked discussions due to their strict limitations.
On game days, NJ Transit trains departing from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium will prioritize fans holding World Cup tickets, requiring passengers to show match tickets and collect wristbands before boarding; only 40,000 train tickets will be sold per game.
These measures were introduced to prevent overcrowding, according to the New Jersey Transit Authority.
Additionally, approximately 10,000 spectators can take shuttle buses to the stadium at a cost of around $80.
For the remaining tens of thousands of attendees, they can choose VIP transportation services provided by FIFA, rely on family and friends for transportation, or pay for parking at the nearby American Dream shopping center.
Due to security reasons, FIFA prohibits fans from parking their vehicles in the stadium’s parking lots.
As the World Cup approaches, the transportation systems in New York and New Jersey are facing immense pressure. Transportation officials in both states are urging the public to work from home if possible, avoid traveling during peak game days, and plan their journeys in advance.
The $105 World Cup special train tickets will go on sale on May 13, and fans can purchase them through the NJ Transit official website.
Despite the price drop from the initial plan, many online users still question the high cost. Some people have taken to social media to express their thoughts: “This isn’t like taking a train; it’s more like buying VIP tickets to a concert.”
Others understand the price hike, believing that with the influx of tourists during the World Cup, authorities should focus more on preventing transportation system breakdowns rather than providing cheap commuter services.