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Ahead of NJ Transit train tickets going on sale at midnight May 13 for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, the state again adjusted fares and expanded sponsorship support. The move is an effort to address a long-running point of tension over how fans will reach the tournament without burdening riders or taxpayers.

Transportation has emerged as one of the most closely watched issues in the region’s World Cup planning. Officials have repeatedly emphasized a “transit-first” strategy while pushing back on concerns about pricing, access and congestion around the Meadowlands.

Initial plans set round-trip rail fares at $150, drawing widespread backlash. They later dropped to $105 after outside funding helped offset operating costs tied to moving roughly 40,000 fans per match. On May 12, Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced a further reduction, bringing tickets down to $98.

“Good news: Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money,” Sherrill posted on social media. “Thank you to our partners – DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water – for helping make this possible. We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on the global stage.”

Also on May 12, NJ Transit launched a redesigned mobile app as part of its Rapid Action Plan. The broader initiative aims to improve service, technology and the customer experience across the system. World Cup riders will be able to purchase tickets through the app as well as the agency’s World Cup website.

More details on the World Cup mobility plan can be found here.