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NJ Transit to unveil FIFA plan
FOX 5 NY's Briella Tomassetti has the latest.
NEW JERSEY - NJ Transit is set to unveil its transportation plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, as questions grow over potential fare hikes and how tens of thousands of fans will travel to MetLife Stadium.
What we know:
Reports in recent days suggest round-trip train tickets between Penn Station and the Meadowlands could cost more than $100, with some estimates nearing $150 — more than 10 times the typical $12.90 fare.
FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium
June 13 — Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m. ET
June 16 — France vs. Senegal, 3:00 p.m. ET
June 22 — Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 p.m. ET
June 25 — Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m. ET
June 27 — Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m. ET
June 30 — Round of 32, 5:00 p.m. ET
July 5 — Round of 16, 4:00 p.m. ET
July 19 — FIFA World Cup Final, 3:00 p.m. ET
Happening Today:
Officials have not confirmed the pricing, and details are expected during a technical briefing scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in Newark.
The possible increase comes as transit agencies prepare for a surge in demand during the tournament’s eight matchdays in the region. NJ TRANSIT is expected to carry up to four times the usual ridership for events at the stadium, which will host World Cup games.
Public transportation and ride-sharing are expected to be the primary travel options for fans after FIFA eliminated general parking at MetLife Stadium. Limited premium parking will still be available off-site.
New ferry route proposed for World Cup travel between New York and New Jersey
A New York City Council member is pushing a proposal to expand ferry service between New York and New Jersey ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup
What they're saying:
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has criticized FIFA over the costs, saying the organization is not contributing to transportation despite the added strain on the system.
"FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup. Zero," Sherrill said. "That leaves New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to safely get 40,000 fans to and from every game."
She added that the state will not shift that burden onto commuters.
"FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don't, I'm not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one," she said.
FIFA has pushed back, saying host cities agreed to provide paid transit and that it has supported planning efforts for the tournament.
Additional transit options?
Meanwhile, New York City officials are exploring additional transit options. City Council Transportation Committee Chair Sean Abreu has proposed running ferry service from West Harlem to Edgewater, New Jersey, potentially funded through federal transit dollars.
New York Waterway, which operates Hudson River ferries, said it has not been notified of the proposal and no service changes are currently planned.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation said summer schedules have not yet been released and ticket prices remain unchanged.
Separate reports indicate that on matchdays, access to NJ Transit trains bound for the Meadowlands from Penn Station could be limited to World Cup ticket holders for several hours before games, though officials have not confirmed that plan.
What's next:
More details on pricing, access and operations are expected to be clarified at Friday’s briefing.
The Source: This report is based on information from NJ Transit and Gov. Sherrill.