Not in our house NY governor throws shade at NJ Transit over World Cup ticket costs report

New York’s governor, too, has feelings about that NJ Transit World Cup ticket prices report.

A report by The Athletic on Tuesday indicated NJ Transit could charge more than $100 for a round-trip ticket between New York Penn Station and MetLife Stadium on World Cup match days this summer.

There are eight of those.

A standard round-trip fare between New York City and the East Rutherford stadium typically runs $12.90 on “event days.” The reported special match-day pricing would mark a nearly 700% increase in cost.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is among more than a handful of people who say that “seems awfully high.”

The Democrat posted a comment on X sharing The Athletic”s post from earlier in the day and said the World Cup should be “as affordable and accessible as possible.”

“Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me,” Hochul wrote. “That’s not happening on the MTA.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said the reported cost would amount to “a shakedown.”

“NJ Transit may be forced to charge fans an eye-popping $100-plus for a train ride that normally costs $13, because FIFA’s hosting agreement dumps added transportation and security costs onto states and cities while FIFA keeps the revenue from tickets, broadcasting, and concessions. That is not a partnership, that is a shakedown because World Cup tickets already cost fans a fortune,” Schumer said in a statement.

The World Cup host committee for New York City/New Jersey did not provide a comment on The Athletic report Tuesday, referring questions to NJ Transit. An agency spokesperson said pricing was not yet final.

“The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalized. However, as the Governor has clearly stated, the cost for the eight matches will not be borne by our regular commuters. We can confirm that the overall cost to the agency is approximately $48 million for the eight matches,” the NJ Transit spokesperson said.

MetLife Stadium — which is losing its name for the duration of the soccer tournament — will host eight World Cup matches between June 13 and July 19. The last match date is also the FIFA World Cup 26 Final.

There have also been rumored plans to shut down parts of New York Penn Station for certain hours on match days, as first reported by the Bergen Record. NJ Transit has confirmed only that a temporary diversion plan will be in place, saying it is necessary to conduct security checks the likes of which the agency hasn’t seen before.

With limited parking access to American Dream —  ranging from $225 to $300 — the only ways to get to the stadium are by train, stadium shuttle, and ride share.

More official details are expected in the coming weeks.