"Train Fare to Stadium May Jump Sevenfold to $100?"...NY to MetLife Train Fare Hike Under Review

Controversy Over Sevenfold Increase in Train Fare Between New York and Stadium
Soaring Costs for Transportation, Accommodation, and Tickets
Fans Face Heavier Financial Burden

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America approaches, controversy is brewing in the New Jersey area over the "soaring cost of attendance." Not only are match tickets rising, but transportation, accommodation, and parking fees are expected to increase across the board, placing a much heavier financial burden on fans.

The MetLife Stadium, where the World Cup final match is scheduled to take place. MetLife Stadium Instagram

According to foreign media outlets such as the New York Post on April 14 (local time), NJ Transit, the public transportation agency of New Jersey, is considering raising the train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium to as much as $100 (about 147,000 won). Considering that the current fare is about $12.90, this would represent an increase of nearly sevenfold.

However, NJ Transit stated, "The fare for match day has not yet been finalized, and the price currently being discussed is only an estimate." They added, "We will not pass on World Cup-related costs to regular commuters."

Nevertheless, concerns are growing that if the fare hike becomes a reality, it could apply equally to groups eligible for discounts, such as seniors, children, and people with disabilities, fueling further controversy. Local politicians have also expressed concerns, stating that "a $100 fare could be a significant burden for both tourists and residents."

There is also controversy over planned restrictions on use during match days. It has been reported that, for four hours before the start of World Cup games, the NJ Transit area within Penn Station will be restricted to ticket holders only. In particular, as six out of the eight matches overlap with commuting hours, significant inconvenience for local residents is anticipated.

The reaction from fans has been cold. Some fans interviewed locally strongly objected, describing it as "an outrageous price," and criticizing the move for "raising fares on a means of transportation that is, in reality, essential for use."

Not only transportation costs but the overall cost of attending matches is on a sharp upward trend. For the World Cup, ticket prices start at around $599 for group stage matches and go up to over $9,200 for the final, with some of the highest prices expected to exceed $10,000.

Parking fees are also expected to reach up to $225, and for some matches, as high as $300. Hotel accommodation near the stadium is also soaring, with two-night stays ranging from $1,400 to $3,500, raising concerns of an "accommodation crisis."

Meanwhile, during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, public transportation—including intercity travel—was offered free of charge to ticket holders, drawing further comparisons with the upcoming World Cup in the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.