NJ Transit Slashes World Cup Train Fares to $98 as Tickets Go on Sale — NYC Unveils 'Soccer Streets' Car-Free Zones

On May 13, NJ Transit officially reduced its round-trip rail fare for the eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium from $150 (later temporarily lowered to $105) to $98, with ticket purchases opening May 13 via the NJ Transit Mobile App. Shuttle bus fares were simultaneously cut from $80 to $20 per person round-trip. Customers who had already purchased shuttle tickets at the prior $80 rate received automatic $60 refunds. The original $150 fare had drawn intense public backlash, given that the normal round-trip fare for the same Secaucus Junction route is $12.90. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the reduced shuttle rate and called the new pricing a step toward fan accessibility. Separately, New York City unveiled 'Soccer Streets' — a plan to close streets near approximately 50 city schools to vehicle traffic during the tournament as a public celebration initiative. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ will host eight matches including the July 19 World Cup Final. The venue lacks direct transit connections and relies heavily on shuttle buses and NJ Transit rail links, making transportation logistics one of the most complex aspects of the 2026 tournament.