NJ Transit Cuts Train Prices to MetLife for World Cup After Fan Backlash

Prices for trains and buses to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey have dropped after fan complaints.

Train ticket prices fell from $150 (£111) to $98 (£73). Shuttle bus fares declined to $20 (£15) from $80 (£59).

Thomas Concannon, leader of the Football Supporters' Association England fan group, had called the event pricing "astronomical" and "completely out of the norm."

MetLife Stadium, to be called New York/New Jersey Stadium under FIFA's policy on corporate names, will host eight matches, including the final and one of England's Group L games.

Rail trips from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue, about 18 miles away, normally cost $12.90 (£9.50) for a round trip.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill criticized FIFA's refusal to subsidize transport and said local taxpayers would not pay. Travel was free at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar. The USA promised the same in its 2018 host agreement, but a 2023 change set supporter travel at cost.

FIFA responded to criticism by noting no precedent for transport price increases at major events at MetLife Stadium.

In a social media post Tuesday, Sherrill said commercial sponsorship allowed the 30-minute train journey price cut. "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," Sherrill wrote. "Thank you to our partners for helping make this possible."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said "getting to the World Cup should be as accessible as possible" after announcing the 75% drop in round-trip bus fares on social media. She added that 20% of tickets would be reserved for New Yorkers in recognition that they are "helping host the world."

Fans heading to Foxborough, near Boston, face transport price increases of more than 300%. Round-trip tickets from central Boston's South Station to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough usually cost $20 (£15) but will be $80 (£60) during the World Cup.

The prices in New Jersey and Foxborough affect England and Scotland fans. England plays Ghana in Foxborough on June 23 and Panama at MetLife Stadium on June 27. Steve Clarke's Scotland has two games in Foxborough, against Haiti on June 13 and Morocco on June 19.

Kansas City offers return bus tickets to its stadium for $15. Philadelphia will keep its usual $2.90 price for the tournament.