New Jersey Transit will be reducing round-trip rail prices to the World Cup from $150 to $105, according to The Athletic. The 30% price reduction comes after the state received support from sponsors and other sources, according to The Athletic.
The fare, which includes a stop at Secaucus, is typically $12.90.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri told The Athletic that train fares could drop even lower if the agency can get more private and non-taxpayer funding.
Gov. Mikie 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 will go on sale Wednesday, May 13 and must be booked in advance. To read The Athletic story, click here.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
