A New York Times report that NJ Transit is planning to charge more than $100 for a return trip during the World Cup has left many commuters at Penn station shocked.
“That’s honestly outrageous, like I can’t picture myself paying 100 bucks, like the tickets are already pricey enough and paying that much just for the transportation is insane,” said Jorge Rios, a New Jersey resident.
What You Need To Know
The New York Times reports NJ Transit is planning to charge more than $100 for a return trip during the World Cup
NJ Transit says their pricing for the World Cup has not been finalized yet
Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke out against the reports on social media
The journey from MetLife Stadium to Penn Station usually costs $12.90. But according to the Times report, sources familiar with the plans say NJ Transit is planning to charge seven times as much to get home to the city during this year’s World Cup.
“Everybody wants to feel that energy. I’ve been to multiple World Cups in different countries, and you see what those countries do to enable their fans to be able to watch the game,” said Topher Hegngi, who works for major league soccer.
“It sucks to even see, you know, that happening. It’s further making it harder for people to be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful spectacles the world has to offer,” Hegngi added.
Soccer fans have already expressed outrage over high ticket prices for the matches themselves.
“You’re already paying an arm and a leg for those tickets. It costs a lot to go see those games,” said Chris Bilgore, a Brooklyn resident. “But there should be no reason that anyone should be charging $100 for a train ticket.”
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill spoke about the situation at a news conference on Monday.
“One of the key things I wanted to make sure of was that we were not going to be paying for moving people who are viewing the World Cup on the backs of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters,” said Sherrill.
NJ Transit told NY1 in a statement:
“The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalized. However, as the governor has clearly stated, the cost for the eight matches will not be borne by our regular commuters. we can confirm that the overall cost to the agency is approximately $48 million for the eight matches.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul is weighing in as well.
“The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible. Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me. That’s not happening on the MTA,” Hochul wrote on X.
The New York Times reports a final decision on the World Cup pricing for NJ Transit is expected to be announced in the coming days.