Fees for World Cup transportation cut significantly following outcry from spectators in New Jersey

Following intense criticism from fans, transport costs for matches at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 have been slashed, with prices for train and shuttle bus travel to MetLife Stadium, also known as New York/New Jersey Stadium, being significantly reduced.

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The initial prices, which were deemed excessive by supporters, have been lowered, with rail ticket prices dropping from $98 to a lower rate, and shuttle bus fares being cut from $20, in a move aimed at making travel more affordable for fans.

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The reduced fares were made possible through commercial sponsorship, according to New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill, who stated that the changes would not rely on taxpayer funding, and were intended to make travel more affordable for fans attending matches.

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Thomas Concannon, the Football Supporters’ Association’s England fan representative, had previously condemned the initial pricing as “astronomical,” arguing that it was “completely out of the norm” compared to standard transport fares, with a typical return rail journey from Penn Station in Manhattan to the stadium costing around $12.90.

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New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill announced that the revised fares were a positive development, 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, and thanked partners for helping make this possible.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul also welcomed the reductions, saying that access to the tournament should be as affordable as possible, and announced a 75% cut in round-trip bus fares, with a portion of tickets to be reserved for New York residents.

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The MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches, including one of England’s group-stage fixtures and a semi-final, will now offer more affordable transport options for fans, following the pricing adjustments.

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Despite the reductions in New Jersey, concerns still linger over transport pricing in other host cities, with fans travelling to Foxborough in Boston facing significantly higher fares compared to usual rates, which is expected to affect England and Scotland supporters.

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The pricing adjustments come as preparations for the expanded 2026 World Cup across North America continue, with logistics and affordability remaining under intense scrutiny, particularly with the tournament set to take place on May 8, 2026, but no specific date mentioned in this context.

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England and Scotland supporters are expected to be among those affected by the transport pricing, with fixtures scheduled across multiple US venues during the tournament, which will run from May 8, 2026, but this date was not mentioned in relation to their fixtures.