Gov. Mikie Sherill announced that NJ Transit is lowering ticket prices from $105 to $98. Sherrill said the reduced fare was done without using taxpayer money. Previously, train tickets were set to cost $150.
"Thank you to our partners – DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water – for helping make this possible," Sherrill said.
"We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on the global stage."
The fare, which includes a stop at Secaucus, is typically $12.90.
Sherrill has been adamant New Jerseyians should not have to pay for the World Cup, which has led to a back and forth between FIFA, the organizers of the event. FIFA was not one of the funding sources, Kolluri told The Athletic.
"We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup," Sherrill said last month. "And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion. I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come."
World Cup transit pricing will not be discounted for seniors, children and disabled passengers. MetLife Stadium is hosting eight World Cup games.
"FIFA should pay for the rides," Sherill, noting they are charging up to $10,000 for tickets to the World Cup Final. "But if they don’t, I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one."
In a lengthy statement, FIFA noted that New Jersey had already agreed to provide free or at-cost transportation to fans at all matches.
"The original FIFA World Cup 2026 host city agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches," a spokesperson for FIFA said in a statement. "Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the host agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All match ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport [public or additionally planned transport] at cost to allow travel to stadiums on match days.
FIFA said they were unaware of any previous organization that was required to pay for fan transportation.
Train tickets are now on sale and must be purchased in advance.
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