NJ Transit is weighing a round‑trip fare of about $150 for World Cup ticket holders traveling between Penn Station and MetLife Stadium. The price, roughly ten times the normal $12.90 rate for a 15‑minute Hudson crossing, sparked immediate criticism from commuters and soccer fans just weeks before the tournament’s June kickoff, and raise concerns about equity for local commuters.

Officials estimate the eight matches at the venue will generate $48 million in extra transit costs, chiefly for security and staffing. Governor Mikie Sherrill warned she would not let New Jersey absorb those expenses, urging FIFA to fund the rides, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for affordable access. A joint press conference is slated for Friday to finalize pricing, and could influence future event contracts.

NJ Transit expects to move 40,000 fans per match, but the proposed fare hike could strain ridership and provoke political backlash, especially after recent service disruptions and a 2024 fare increase. Union leader Tom Haas said riders and taxpayers should not shoulder the World Cup’s cost. The final fare decision will directly affect the tournament’s transportation plan and regional revenue, and could set a precedent for pricing.