FIFA World Cup games in Philadelphia a longer ride, but better deal for NJ soccer fans
By train or by car, it's a cheaper Toll of Commuting.
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Even from Central Jersey, it is cheaper for a soccer fan to get to a FIFA World Cup match in South Philadelphia than it is to go to the Meadowlands.
Using public transit, the first leg of the journey involves getting to Trenton Transit Center. The easiest way is to take a Northeast Corridor NJ Transit train.
Then, riders can take the SEPTA Trenton Line to Suburban Station in Center City Philadelphia, and then board a metro subway to NRG Station by the sports complex.
This journey cost News 12 $47.90 from Edison, and took a little over two hours. That is longer - but $50 cheaper - than taking a train to MetLife Stadium for a FIFA match.
Subway rides back from Philadelphia Stadium will be free, covered by a SEPTA sponsorship deal with Airbnb.
“It allows us to more efficiently queue people up as we’re waiting to get them down to the trains," said Andrew Busch, from SEPTA media relations. "The trains, they’re coming in quickly, we’re taking large groups down. People won’t have to stop and tap in and tap out.”
Even the 70-mile drive from Edison is somehow cheaper than the 30-mile drive to East Rutherford. Parking for the games in Philadelphia starts at $125 - New Jersey’s are $100 more.
SEPTA can transport up to 15,000 fans per hour. They are expecting half the crowd to take public transit. Three of Philadelphia's six matches are on weekdays, and another is on July 4.
