Gov. Mikie Sherrill cuts NJ Transit World Cup train tickets to $98

Just days after NJ Transit lowered 2026 FIFA World Cup train ticket prices after backlash, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced another reduction.

Last week, the starting cost of round-trip tickets from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey was reduced from $150 to $105.

Now Sherrill has announced that tickets are down to $98 round-trip before they go on sale Tuesday night.

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“Good news: Before NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets go on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is dropping ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayers’ money,” Sherrill wrote on X.

“Thank you to our partners (DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries and American Water) for helping make this possible.

“We are excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage.”

NJ TRANSIT REDUCES WORLD CUP TRAIN TICKET PRICES AFTER REACTION, SHOWING MORE FINANCIAL SUPPORT: REPORT

NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee came under criticism following the initially announced price of $150 for round-trip tickets. Their argument was that it would cost taxpayers money unless they had the abnormal prices set for the influx of people from New York City to MetLife Stadium.

NJ Transit then announced last week that it had received financial support from “sponsors and other sources” to lower prices. We now know those sponsors after Sherrill’s statement on social media.

Sherrill and FIFA got into an argument after the $150 price was revealed. The governor said FIFA should help pay for train tickets, while the board criticized Sherrill’s “unprecedented” plan, adding that expensive train tickets would have a “chilling effect” on the fan experience.

Public transport officials are preparing for an unprecedented number of drivers at this summer’s World Cup matches. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“Governor Sherrill was clear that FIFA should contribute to transporting its fans to World Cup games. Since it did not contribute, it directed NJ Transit to seek private, non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare,” a spokesperson for Sherrill told The Athletic. “The Governor appreciates all companies taking steps to reduce costs for ticket holders. He will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans.”

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original price, saying the transit agency’s final cost should not be a burden to New Jersey riders.

Kolluri reiterated that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million, saying, “It’s an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity, as well as its economic position in the country and the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) said New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of game-going fans because that would not be fair.” he said.

“We need to charge $150 to move 40,000 people and pay the $6 million cost (per game).”

Regular round-trip train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is $12.90.

NJ Transit passes through the NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City on May 20, 2025, after resuming operations following a tentative agreement to end a three-day strike by train drivers. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, parking is banned at MetLife Stadium and carpooling will be limited, ultimately leading to a natural increase in NJ Transit commutes for World Cup games.

The first match at MetLife Stadium will be played on June 13, with a group stage match between Brazil and Morocco.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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