The organization of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada has faced tense days, particularly in New Jersey, where local officials have voiced concern over the high prices set for train tickets to MetLife Stadium, as well as buses in the area, which will cost $150 and $80, respectively.

On Friday, NJ Transit, part of the local organizing effort, held a press conference confirming the $150 round-trip fare for trains to the stadium that will host the World Cup final.

Location of MetLife Stadium

During the briefing, NJ Transit said it expects up to 28,000 fans to travel from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium, while another 12,000 will arrive from other areas.

To use the train, fans will be required to wear a wristband, without which they will not be allowed to board, even if they have paid the $150 fare.

Organizers also confirmed a bus service for 10,000 fans at a cost of $80 per game, a measure that has drawn mixed reactions.

NJ Transit president and CEO Kris Kolluri said the total cost of the operation will be $62 million, with $10.6 million covered by the federal government and roughly $3.6 million paid by the organizing committee.

“New Jersey residents who commute every day should not have to bear the costs of a major event for years, but the fans attending the matches should,” Kolluri said.

New Jersey governor calls on FIFA to cover the costs

Following NJ Transit’s announcement, New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill reiterated her stance, insisting that FIFA should cover these expenses to reduce prices for fans attending the World Cup.

“In the agreement that my Administration inherited, FIFA put zero dollars towards transporting World Cup fans. In addition, it eliminated parking at MetLife Stadium, putting the burden of transporting four times more matchday riders than typical for an event at the stadium on NJ TRANSIT. On top of extensive logistical considerations to ensure transportation is safe and efficient throughout the tournament – for regular commuters and FIFA ticket holders alike – this agreement will cost NJ TRANSIT at least $48 million, while FIFA is positioned to make $11 billion during the World Cup.

“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day.”

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