New York/New Jersey World Cup host committee hires yellow school buses to slash matchday costs

Key Points:

• The New York/New Jersey World Cup host committee has reduced shuttle bus fares to MetLife Stadium by 75%, lowering prices from $80 to $20, with New York State investing $6 million to subsidize costs and provide refunds to early ticket buyers.
• Bus capacity has increased from 10,000 to 18,000 seats for weekend games, including the final, by adding classic yellow school buses, with about 300 buses operating on peak matchdays departing from three Manhattan locations.
• Approximately 20% of bus tickets are reserved for New York state residents as part of the subsidy agreement, ensuring local taxpayers benefit, while around 25-30% of tickets have been purchased by regional residents.
• New Jersey has reduced its NJ Transit round-trip rail fare from $150 to $98 for World Cup events, funded through FIFA-related advertising revenue and federal grants, with officials urging fans to consider remote work to ease transit demand.
• Despite increased bus availability and subsidies, rail remains a costly option for many fans, with no reduced pricing for seniors or accessibility passengers, and all transportation tickets must be purchased in advance ahead of the tournament.