May 14 – The cost of shuttle buses to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has been cut by 75 percent following sustained backlash from supporters.
Fans travelling to the stadium from Grand Central Terminal or the Port Authority bus terminal in New York were initially facing fares of $80 (£59) each way. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed on social media that the price has now been reduced to $20 (£15), with 20 percent of seats reserved exclusively for New York residents.
“Getting to the World Cup should be as accessible as possible,” Hochul posted on X. “Because New Yorkers are helping host the world, 20% of those tickets will be reserved exclusively for New Yorkers. Game on!”
MetLife Stadium will host eight matches across the tournament.
Hochul confirmed that the bus fleet will be expanded using yellow school buses, lifting capacity from 10,000 to 18,000 seats for the five matches on non-school days, and 12,000 seats on the three school-day matches. Fans who had already purchased $80 tickets will receive a $60 refund.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also announced that NJ Transit train fares have been cut from $150 to $98 for a return journey, with tickets going on sale on Wednesday.
State officials had initially defended the higher prices as necessary to cover hosting costs, with Sherrill blaming FIFA for providing “zero dollars for transportation.” FIFA pushed back, saying it was “surprised” by the comments and noting that other host cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston, are keeping local transit rates unchanged.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at [email protected]