NHL
Islanders get major update on Kashawn Aitcheson's future
Major Update on Kashawn Aitcheson's Future with the Islanders
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Soccer
World Cup transport prices cut after fan backlash
TL;DR
Train and bus prices for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium have been reduced after fan complaints. Train tickets are now $98, down from $150, and shuttle bus fares are $20, reduced from $80.
Key points
- Train ticket prices reduced from $150 to $98
- Shuttle bus fares cut from $80 to $20
- Fan backlash prompted the price reductions
- MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup matches
- Stadium will be referred to as New York/New Jersey Stadium
Mentioned in this story
MetLife StadiumFIFA
World Cup
Prices for trains and buses to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey have been cut following a backlash from fans.
The price of a train ticket has been slashed from $150 (£111) to $98 (£73) while shuttle bus fares are down to $20 (£15) from $80 (£59).
Thomas Concannon, leader of the Football Supporters' Association England fan group, previously criticised "astronomical" event pricing - which he described as "completely out of the norm".
MetLife Stadium - which will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup as part of Fifa's policy on corporate sponsored names - will host eight matches including the final and one of England's Group L games.
Rail journeys from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue, which is about 18 miles, are normally $12.90 (£9.50) for a return fare.
New Jersey governor Mikie Sherril previously criticised Fifa's refusal to subsidise transport at the event and insisted local taxpayers would not foot the bill.
Travel at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar was free, and the USA had committed to offer the same perk in its 2018 host agreement.
In a tweak to the agreement made in 2023, it was decided that supporters would be able to travel at cost.
Responding to criticism, Fifa also claimed there was no precedent for transport price rises for a major event at MetLife Stadium.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Sherril said commercial sponsorship meant the price for the 30-minute train journey could be 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," Sherill 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% reduction 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".
Elsewhere, fans travelling to Foxborough, Boston are facing transport price hikes of more than 300%.
Round-trip tickets from central Boston (South Station) to Boston Stadium at Foxborough usually cost $20 (£15) but fans will be charged $80 (£60) at the World Cup.
The prices in New Jersey and Foxborough will hit England and Scotland fans.
The Three Lions take on Ghana in Foxborough on 23 June, and then face Panama at MetLife Stadium on 27 June.
Steve Clarke's Scotland have two games in Foxborough - against Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June.
Q&A
What are the new prices for World Cup transport to MetLife Stadium?
Train tickets are now priced at $98, and shuttle bus fares have been reduced to $20.
Why were transport prices for the World Cup cut?
Transport prices were cut following backlash from fans who criticized the previous pricing as 'astronomical'.
How many matches will be held at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup?
MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the final and one of England's Group L games.
