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NJ Transit Plans Steep Ticket Hikes for World Cup Matches
Fares from New York to MetLife Stadium could surge to $100, drawing backlash from officials and fans.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:33pm
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The proposed steep fare hikes for NJ Transit rides to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium could price out many fans, raising concerns about the accessibility and affordability of the global event.NYC TodayNJ Transit is facing criticism over plans to dramatically raise train fares during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium expected to jump to around $100 - a 775% increase from the normal $12.90 fare. Transit officials say the goal is to avoid subsidizing World Cup transportation with taxpayer dollars, but the proposed pricing structure would reportedly apply broadly, including to riders who typically qualify for discounted fares.
Why it matters
The World Cup should be an affordable and accessible event for all fans, but the proposed fare hikes could price out everyday riders looking to attend the games at MetLife Stadium. This has drawn criticism from state leaders and transit advocates who argue the spike would unfairly burden New Jersey commuters.
The details
According to reports, the roughly 18-mile trip from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium, normally priced at $12.90, would jump by as much as 775% for match days. Transit officials have not finalized the pricing, but indicated that regular commuters will not bear the cost. The proposed pricing structure would reportedly apply broadly, including to riders who typically qualify for discounted fares such as seniors, children, and disabled passengers.
- Eight World Cup matches are set to take place at MetLife Stadium during the 2026 tournament.
The players
Governor Kathy Hochul
The Governor of New York, who criticized the proposed fare hikes, stating that the World Cup should be affordable and that the MTA will not allow such high prices.
Governor Mikie Sherrill
The Governor of New Jersey, who said the state is not going to be paying for moving World Cup attendees on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and commuters.
NJ Transit
The public transportation system in New Jersey that is planning the steep fare increases for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
What they’re saying
“Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me. That's not happening on the MTA.”
— Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
“We are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and commuters.”
— Governor Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
What’s next
NJ Transit has not finalized the pricing structure, and state leaders have indicated they will push back on any plans that unfairly burden commuters. The proposed fare hikes will likely face continued scrutiny and opposition in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
The takeaway
The potential World Cup fare hikes on NJ Transit highlight the challenge of balancing the needs of major sporting events with the affordability and accessibility concerns of local commuters. This issue will likely be a point of contention as New Jersey and New York work to host a successful and inclusive World Cup in 2026.
