EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — As the World Cup commenced, New York and New Jersey presented rival transportation plans.
Following several matches, the $20 shuttle buses backed by New York consistently sell out, while the $98 train rides offered by New Jersey Transit remain underutilized.
New Jersey Transit is now facing potential losses in the millions during the tournament. The shortfall in revenue is attributed to lower-than-anticipated demand, partly due to the more affordable alternatives. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul hinted that the high prices might be deterring fans from using New Jersey’s trains and buses, a comment likely to exacerbate tensions between the states.
This conflict highlights the ongoing strained relations between the two areas known as “New York New Jersey” by FIFA. Today, England and Panama will compete in their final group-stage match here.
During the tournament’s first match at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium between Brazil and Morocco on June 13, lines for New York-operated buses back to Manhattan grew rapidly. Concerned about the stranded crowd, the New Jersey State Police requested assistance from the state’s transit agency to transport some of the waiting fans.
New Jersey Transit had the capacity for 40,000 passengers but only served approximately 22,000 that night. Although they had meticulously planned to efficiently manage the crowds, the agency was wary of overwhelming its system, recalling the 2014 Super Bowl incident where fans were stuck for hours, tarnishing its reputation.
Kris Kolluri, head of New Jersey Transit, stated that the decision to move additional fans after 90 minutes, if necessary, was agreed upon by the bistate host committee, New Jersey governor’s office, and State Police. By that time, however, the lines had naturally diminished.
The core of the issue lies in the pricing differences across the Hudson River.
New York and New Jersey, divided by the Hudson River, rely on each other economically but frequently clash over various issues, including transportation, which is often a point of contention. Unlike regions with unified transit systems, the New York City metropolitan area has three separate public transit agencies. The states have disputes over tolls, funding for major infrastructure projects, and staffing for the Port Authority.
“Transportation is too important for any mayor or governor to give up power to any other mayor or governor,” remarked Mitchell Moss, a New York City urban planning adviser and professor at New York University.
Despite a smoother operation at MetLife following a French victory over Senegal and a rain-soaked loss to Norway, debates continue over whether New Jersey Transit should reduce fares to attract more riders.
For global fans who do not track regional politics, much of the friction remains hidden, yet the discord between the states impacts travel to the eight matches, including the final on July 19.
When New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration introduced a $150 roundtrip ticket price for the World Cup in April, Hochul expressed concerns it could dampen the tournament’s appeal and supported a $20 shuttle alternative.
Sherrill reduced the fare to $98, but it remains the highest among public transit systems, and trains are only two-thirds occupied. Her administration discreetly blames the low-cost shuttle buses for drawing away passengers.
Supporters of both governors defend their approaches as cost-conscious: Hochul promotes affordability to welcome international visitors, while Sherrill seeks to offset special service expenses and avoid local taxpayers subsidizing outsiders for a costly event.
Despite the success of the cheaper bus tickets, New York officials worry that New Jersey Transit’s high prices aren’t pulling their weight. Conversely, New Jersey Transit prides itself on its efficient service, with Sherrill describing it as “the best option” for attending matches.
While transportation disputes between the states predate Sherrill and Hochul, they are not unavoidable. Recently, both Democrats collaborated to restart a cross-state train tunnel project previously halted by President Donald Trump. However, ongoing disagreements may challenge future joint initiatives, such as the planned overhaul of New York’s Penn Station.
