New Jersey Transit Cuts World Cup Train Fare to $105 After Backlash

On May 7, NJ Transit cut the round-trip World Cup fare from $150 to $105, a 30 % reduction. Tickets for the 18-mile Penn Station-to-MetLife ride will be sold from May 13, are non-transferable, and apply to eight matches.

Newsday

Governor Mikie Sherrill ordered the price cut. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri announced the $105 fare. FIFA COO Heimo Schirgi warned the original $150 price could deter fans. Audible is among the sponsors; other sponsors are unnamed.

Reuters

Normal round-trip fare is $12.90. The $150 price was justified by $48 million in extra operating costs for 40,000 fans per match. Grants total $13.6 million (FIFA/federal), $10.6 million (host committee) and $3.6 million from other sources. Parking at the nearby American Dream Mall is limited to ~5,000 spots at $225 each.

New York Post

The $105 fare is still about eight times the normal price, higher than in Philadelphia, Atlanta or Houston where fares stayed unchanged. Critics say the cost may exclude lower-income fans and increase road traffic, while businesses hope for tourism gains. The high fare also raises concerns about equity, as comparable public transit in other host cities remains at or below the standard $5-$15 range.

ESPN

Sherrill’s office said FIFA “should contribute to transport its fans” and thanked sponsors. Kolluri said NJ Transit “is pleased to reduce the price by at least 30 %.” FIFA’s spokesperson replied the organization “is not aware of any other major event…where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.” Schirgi warned the $150 fare would have a “chilling effect.”

ESPN

Football Supporters Europe called the pricing “extortionate.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer supported Sherrill, while Gov. Kathy Hochul warned the fare could “throw cold water on the tournament.” FIFA projects $11 billion in revenue, yet Sherrill’s X post cited $11 million profit, a discrepancy. Sponsor identities beyond Audible are not disclosed.

Politico

• “New Jerseyans shouldn't be stuck with that bill while FIFA makes $11 million in profit,” — Mikie Sherrill, X post

ESPN

• “FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium ... where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation,” — FIFA spokesperson

ESPN

• “I am pleased we are able to reduce the price by at least 30% and bring the cost down to $105 per ticket.” — Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit CEO

ESPN

• “The 2026 World Cup's Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the original $150 price would have "a chilling effect" on fans.” — Heimo Schirgi, FIFA COO

Reuters

Tickets go on sale May 13 via the NJ Transit app. Penn Station will close to non-World-Cup riders for four hours before each kickoff, and $80 shuttle buses will run from park-and-ride sites.

NBCNewYork.com