NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — high cost Trains to New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium for the upcoming World Cup are now a little cheaper.
New Jersey Transit will reduce the price of a round-trip fare from all stations to the stadium in East Rutherford from $150 to $105. That’s still far more expensive than the regular price of about $13 for a round-trip ticket from Manhattan’s Pennsylvania Station to the stadium.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the Democrat has directed transit agencies to seek private and non-taxpayer funding to reduce planned fare increases.
“The Governor appreciates all the businesses already working to reduce costs for ticket holders,” Sherrill spokesman Steve Sigmund said in a statement. “She will continue to work hard to make the World Cup a positive experience for our fans and all New Jerseyans.”
Last month, state officials said they needed to increase fares on trains to the stadium to offset the cost of transportation for games.
The state estimates that approximately 40,000 fans will use public transportation for each game, as MetLife Stadium will not have on-site parking, only limited parking at the nearby American Dream Mall.
A FIFA spokesperson declined to comment Thursday. Soccer’s international governing body previously warned that New Jersey’s transport costs could have a “chilling effect” on matches, noting that other US host cities including Los Angeles, Dallas and Houston have also kept fares unchanged.
MetLife, the home stadium of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, is scheduled to host eight World Cup games, including the final game on July 19th. Group stage matches between soccer powerhouses Brazil, France, Germany, England and other countries will begin on June 13th.
