NJ Transit $150 World Cup Fare Backlash Intensifies — CEO Defends Costs, FIFA Acknowledges 'Chilling Effect'

Fan backlash over NJ Transit's confirmed $150 round-trip fare from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium intensified April 19, following formal confirmation earlier in the week. The charge represents a ~12x surge on a 9-mile, 15-minute journey to the Final venue — normally priced at $12.90. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the pricing: 'This isn't price gouging. We're literally trying to recoup our costs.' NJ Transit faces a $48M transportation bill for the tournament with only $14M in federal grants — and FIFA contributed $0 to transit infrastructure. FIFA's own COO acknowledged the fare creates a 'chilling effect' on attendance. NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill — who publicly condemned FIFA's zero contribution on April 18 — continued to push back. The bus alternative to MetLife is $80 round-trip; parking passes are $225 per vehicle. Other US host cities (Atlanta's MARTA, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia) maintained standard transit fares — providing stark contrast to the New York metropolitan area's surge pricing. MetLife Stadium hosts the July 19 Final plus 8 other matches, making it the tournament's busiest venue.