World Cup Travel to MetLife Stadium Skyrockets: $150 Train Tickets Spark Controversy New Jersey Transit has unveiled steep prices for World Cup transportation to MetLife Stadium, with roundtrip train tickets set at $150 and bus tickets at $80. These new fares, significantly higher than standard rates, are aimed at managing unprecedented crowds and covering increased operational costs. Governor Mikie Sherrill is reportedly in disagreement with FIFA over funding for these expenses, while fans face substantial travel bills and potential service disruptions. The upcoming FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium are poised to create a significant financial burden for attendees, primarily due to substantial increases in public transportation costs. New Jersey Transit has announced that roundtrip rail tickets to the stadium on match days will be priced at $150. These tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable, available for purchase exclusively through the NJ Transit mobile app beginning May 13. A limited number of 40,000 roundtrip tickets will be released per match day, and they will not be sold at station ticket offices or vending machines on the day of the event. Specific boarding procedures are in place: travelers from New York City must board at Penn Station. Those originating from other parts of New Jersey will have ticket options for specific time periods and will be directed to either Secaucus Junction or Hoboken Terminal. Ticket checks will occur before boarding trains destined for the stadium, with connections from Secaucus Junction requiring passengers to transfer to connecting services. In addition to rail, bus tickets to MetLife Stadium are being offered at $80. These bus services, which went on sale Friday, will operate from Port Authority Bus Terminal and a Midtown East Shuttle pick-up point in New York City. For New Jersey residents, a park-and-ride option will be available at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. These transportation plans are part of NJ Transit's strategy to manage the expected influx of over 78,000 spectators per match, which the agency claims will incur nearly $50 million in added costs. Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has expressed dissatisfaction, advocating for FIFA to contribute to these increased expenses, a request that FIFA has reportedly declined. The cost of a standard roundtrip train ticket from New York's Penn Station to the stadium normally hovers around $13, making the World Cup pricing approximately twelve times higher. This means a family of four could incur $600 in transportation costs for a single match. Beyond public transit, limited rideshare options will be available, managed to mitigate congestion and operating from a designated drop-off area at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment. Supplemental premium parking will also be offered at the American Dream Mall via advance purchase, with early arrival advised due to anticipated heavy traffic. Notably, no general parking will be available on stadium property on match days, and private bus or charter services are prohibited. The stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19. High-profile group stage matches featuring teams like Brazil, France, Germany, and England commence on June 13. Furthermore, regular NJ Transit users should anticipate service disruptions. Some trains scheduled during peak match arrival and departure times will be temporarily diverted or adjusted to accommodate stadium service. Commuters using Penn Station will experience significant changes, as outbound rail service from the Manhattan hub will cease four hours before kickoff. Inbound trains to Penn Station during this period will operate as usual. The overall transportation strategy aims to provide the fastest and most efficient transit for spectators, as stated by Alex Lasry of the NYNJ host committee, though NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri acknowledged the prescriptive and controlled nature of the process, while denying exploitative pricing