Price of World Cup shuttle bus in New York slashed after fan backlash
The prices of shuttle buses to one of the World Cup stadiums hosting an England game have been slashed following backlash from fans. The Three Lions face Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 27 and supporters initially faced a fare of $80 to travel to the game from Grand Central Terminal or the Port Authority bus terminal in New York. New York state governor Kathy Hochul said on social media the bus ticket had now been reduced to $20 in order to make the World Cup “as accessible as possible”.
England fans previously expressed their discontent with the travel cost, with one saying the trains from Boston and New York to the games would cost more than what they paid to attend the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill said the NJ Transit trains have also been reduced to a $98-return journey after initially starting out at $150 – with these tickets due to go on sale on Wednesday. Sherrill previously blamed FIFA for World Cup fans having to pay more for transport, saying the state had “inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing zero dollars for transportation”.
FIFA said it was “surprised” by the comments made by Governor Sherrill. Governor Hochul said 20% of the tickets available on the shuttle buses will be reserved for New York residents because they are “helping host the world”.