England supporters heading to the World Cup in the United States have criticised a reported surge in train fares to the stadium hosting a group match against Panama and the final. According to The Athletic, NJ Transit is expected to increase return fares from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to over $100 (£74), up from the usual cost of under $13 (£10).
The Football Supporters’ Association’s Free Lions service responded on X, stating: 'We were initially told the prices would remain as standard, however this potential news comes as little surprise. Another day, another rip-off at this World Cup. What on earth is going on?'
New York Senator Chuck Schumer also criticised the move, posting on X: 'FIFA is set to reap nearly 11 billion dollars from this summer’s World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill. The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states.'
The reported increase follows a similar move in Boston, where authorities confirmed plans to quadruple return fares from the city centre to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to $80 (£59). England are due to play their second group game against Ghana there, while Scotland’s opening two matches are also being staged at the venue.
This latest row over transport costs comes after previous criticism of World Cup ticket and parking prices, as well as FIFA’s decision to adopt dynamic pricing for ticket sales. During the last men’s European Championship in 2024, ticket-holders received discounted rates on public transport in Germany.
