World Cup rail tickets hiked by more than 1000% as huge row with FIFA escalates
Fans attending World Cup games at MetLife Stadium this summer will be charged an eye-watering $150 (£111) for a return rail ticket from New York Penn Station, more than 1000% than normal fares.
New Jersey Transit confirmed the remarkable increase from the typical $12.90 (£9.50) fare in a media briefing on Friday, while the New York City/New Jersey joint host committee for the World Cup separately announced there will be an alternative bus service priced at $80 (£59) per seat.
There are no discounted prices for children, seniors or disabled passengers for either the rail or bus service.
It is yet another blow for ordinary fans attending the World Cup this summer, with parking spaces at the MetLife Stadium already confirmed at $225 (£166).
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England face Panama in their final group game on June 29 at the stadium and would return there on July 19 should they reach the final.
Despite the extortionate costs, Kris Kolluri, the CEO of NJ Transit, insisted "this isn’t price gouging". “We’re literally trying to recoup our costs," he told reporters at the briefing.
FIFA row continues
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill insisted in a statement following the announcement that the price hike is necessary to ensure regular New Jersey commuters weren't stuck with a "tab for years to come" following the World Cup, urging FIFA to cover the costs,
“In the agreement that my Administration inherited, FIFA put zero dollars towards transporting World Cup fans," she said. "In addition, it eliminated parking at MetLife Stadium, putting the burden of transporting four times more matchday riders than typical for an event at the stadium on NJ Transit.
“On top of extensive logistical considerations to ensure transportation is safe and efficient throughout the tournament — for regular commuters and FIFA ticket holders alike — this agreement will cost NJ Transit at least $48million, while FIFA is positioned to make $11 billion during the World Cup.
“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ Transit every day.”
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Earlier in the week, FIFA had said in their own statement that they were "quite surprised" by Sherrill's criticisms, following similar tweets she posted on X.
"FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation," the statement said. "FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation."
The rail tickets, which are non-transferrable and non-refundable, will be available to purchase from May 13 on NJ Transit's mobile app.
There will be 40,000 roundtrip tickets available each match day, and there are no alternatives for anyone looking to take the train from New York City.
Mark Holmes