NJ Transit Cuts World Cup Train Tickets to MetLife Stadium to $105 After Price Dispute

Train tickets to World Cup games at MetLife Stadium will cost less than first announced, dropping to $105 round-trip from New York Penn Station.

NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee had set the price at $150. The agency cited monetary support from sponsors and other sources for the reduction, according to The Athletic.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill clashed with FIFA over the initial fares. She said FIFA should pay for transporting fans to the matches. FIFA called her plan "unprecedented" and warned that high ticket prices would harm the fan experience.

"Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare," a Sherrill spokesperson told The Athletic. "The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders. She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans."

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original $150 price. He said New Jersey commuters should not bear the cost to the public transportation company.

"It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey's diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair," Kolluri said. He noted the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million.

"In order to move 40,000 people and to pay for the cost of $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150."

Kolluri added that a regular $12.90 fare would force commuters to subsidize 92% of the $48 million bill.

MetLife Stadium will ban parking, and ride-sharing will face limits, driving more fans to NJ Transit. New York Penn Station will open only to matchgoers four hours before games, with residents asked to skip nonessential travel on those days.

The first game at the stadium is June 13.