$13 train fare spikes to $150 for World Cup fans attending matches in New Jersey
WTOP • • sports
Key Points:
- Fans traveling from New York City to MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches will face a $150 round-trip train fare, nearly 12 times the regular price, to cover the $48 million transit cost not covered by grants.
- New Jersey officials justify the high fare as necessary to avoid burdening local commuters with the World Cup transportation expenses, while FIFA disputes the claim, stating agreements included free transportation for fans.
- Similar fare hikes are seen in Boston for transit to Gillette Stadium, with express buses costing $95 and train tickets $80 round-trip, whereas other host cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia are maintaining regular transit fares.
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticized FIFA for not contributing to transportation costs, emphasizing that local taxpayers should not subsidize World Cup transit expenses, a stance echoed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Alternative transportation options to MetLife Stadium, such as shuttle buses and parking at nearby facilities, are also expensive, with shuttle fares at $80 round-trip and parking spots priced at $225.
