Governors intervene to slash World Cup transport fares amid fan outcry
Commercial sponsorship drives price cuts in New Jersey, while New York reserves tickets for residents; contrasts with hikes in Foxborough and stable rates in other US cities
Prices for rail and bus services to the 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey have been significantly reduced following sustained criticism from supporters. The adjustment brings train ticket costs down from $150 to $98, while shuttle bus fares have been lowered from $80 to $20. The venue, which will be rebranded as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the tournament in accordance with Fifa’s policy on corporate sponsored names, is set to host eight matches, including the final and one of England’s Group L fixtures.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherril attributed the reduction to commercial sponsorship, confirming that no taxpayer funds were utilised for the price cuts. Sherril had previously criticised Fifa’s refusal to subsidise transport, noting that the USA had committed to offering free travel in its 2018 host agreement, a provision later tweaked in 2023 to allow supporters to travel at cost. In a social media post, Sherril stated that partners helped make the 30-minute journey more affordable, emphasising that the new $98 fare was achieved without New Jersey taxpayer money.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced measures to improve accessibility, declaring a 75% reduction in round-trip bus fares. Hochul emphasised that access to the World Cup should be as accessible as possible and announced that 20% of tickets would be reserved for New Yorkers. This reservation policy acknowledges the state’s role in hosting the event, with Hochul stating that residents are helping to host the world.
The pricing adjustments come after Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters' Association England described the original train price of $150 as astronomical and completely out of the norm. For context, regular return rail fares from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue, located approximately 18 miles away, typically cost $12.90. Fifa has responded to the backlash by claiming there is no precedent for such transport price rises for a major event at this location.
While New Jersey and New York have moved to lower costs, transport prices to Foxborough, near Boston, have increased by more than 300%. Round-trip tickets from central Boston to Boston Stadium at Foxborough have risen from $20 to $80. In contrast, Kansas City is offering return bus tickets for $15, and Philadelphia has confirmed its usual price of $2.90 will remain unchanged. These varying costs will impact England and Scotland fans, who have matches scheduled in both Foxborough and the New York/New Jersey area.
