N.J. cuts World Cup train fare to $105, easing earlier $150 plan

New Jersey Transit has cut the round-trip train fare to MetLife Stadium for upcoming World Cup matches, stepping back from an earlier plan that had drawn public criticism over how expensive it would be for fans to travel to East Rutherford. The fare reduction brings the planned all-stations price down to $105 from $150, according to the Associated Press.

Steve Sigmund, a spokesperson for Gov. Mikie Sherrill, said the governor directed the transit agency to look for private and non-taxpayer funding to reduce the proposed fare hike. Sigmund said Sherrill appreciated companies that had already helped lower costs for ticket holders and added that the governor would continue to ensure the tournament experience benefits fans and “all New Jerseyans.”

State officials previously said the higher train fare was necessary to help offset New Jersey Transit’s costs for hosting the games. In a new estimate of travel demand tied to the tournament, state officials said around 40,000 fans are expected to use mass transit for each match, with MetLife Stadium not offering on-site parking and only limited spots available at the nearby American Dream Mall.

The new $105 fare still compares to typical travel costs from Manhattan: the Associated Press reported that a round trip from Penn Station to the stadium typically runs about $13. The earlier $150 plan had already put the transit pricing under scrutiny, and this change comes as fans weigh travel options for the matches held at MetLife Stadium.

FIFA declined to comment, the Associated Press reported. The international governing body had previously warned that New Jersey’s transit prices could have a “chilling effect” on the games, pointing to other U.S. host cities — including Los Angeles, Dallas and Houston — that have kept their fares unchanged.

MetLife Stadium, the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the tournament final on July 19. Group stage matches featuring teams such as Brazil, France, Germany and England begin June 13.