Transport Price Cuts at MetLife Stadium Following Fan Complaints
MetLife Stadium, which will be referred to as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup in accordance with Fifa's policy on corporate sponsored names, has seen reductions in train and bus fares after fans expressed strong dissatisfaction.
The cost of a train ticket to the stadium has been lowered from $150 (£111) to $98 (£73), while shuttle bus fares have dropped from $80 (£59) to $20 (£15).
Thomas Concannon, leader of the Football Supporters' Association England fan group, had previously criticised the pricing as "astronomical" and described it as "completely out of the norm".
MetLife Stadium will host eight matches during the tournament, including the final and one of England's Group L games. The venue is located approximately 18 miles from Penn Station in Manhattan, where a normal return rail fare is $12.90 (£9.50).
Concerns Over High Transport Costs
There has been significant criticism regarding the high cost of transport to the stadium, with headlines such as "£111 trains will have 'chilling effect' on World Cup", "Fifa blamed for $100 World Cup trains from New York", and "Fans being fleeced by £111 World Cup train tickets - FSA" highlighting the issue.
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill had previously criticised Fifa's refusal to subsidise transport for the event and emphasized that local taxpayers would not bear the expense.
At previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar, travel was provided free of charge, and the USA had committed to offering the same benefit in its 2018 host agreement. However, a revision to the agreement in 2023 stipulated that supporters would be able to travel at cost.
Fifa responded to the criticism by stating there was no precedent for transport price increases for a major event at MetLife Stadium.
Official Responses and Price Adjustments
In a social media post on Tuesday, Governor Sherrill announced the price reduction for NJ Transit World Cup train tickets, stating:
"Good news: Ahead of NJ Transit World Cup train tickets going on sale, NJ Transit is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money."
She added,
"Thank you to our partners for helping make this possible."
New York governor Kathy Hochul also expressed support for affordable transport, saying "getting to the World Cup should be as accessible as possible" after announcing a 75% reduction in round-trip bus fares on social media.
Hochul further noted that 20% of tickets would be reserved for New Yorkers in recognition of their role in hosting the event.
Transport Price Hikes in Other Locations
While New Jersey has reduced prices, fans travelling to Foxborough, Boston, face transport price increases exceeding 300%.
Round-trip tickets from central Boston (South Station) to Boston Stadium at Foxborough usually cost $20 (£15), but during the World Cup, fans will be charged $80 (£60).
The price changes in New Jersey and Foxborough will affect supporters of England and Scotland. England will play Ghana in Foxborough on 23 June and Panama at MetLife Stadium on 27 June. Scotland, managed by Steve Clarke, has two games in Foxborough against Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June.
Other cities have maintained or offered affordable transport options. Kansas City is providing return bus tickets to the stadium for $15, and Philadelphia has confirmed that its usual fare of $2.90 will remain unchanged for the tournament.
