World cup train tix hit $80, fans fume over cost

MBTA commuters expecting a bargain ride to catch World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium are in for a shock. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has hiked prices for its special trains, with round-trip tickets now costing a whopping $80. That's a significant bump from initial reports of $75 or more.

Mbta justifies higher prices amid fan backlash

The T aims to recoup $35 million in upgrades to Foxboro Station, the terminus for the 'Boston Stadium Train', which will run on the Commuter Rail network on match days. This comes as a bitter pill for fans already shelling out thousands for tickets to the tournament.

Reaction from soccer supporters has been largely negative, with some calling it 'a constant cash cow' for the MBTA. The agency insists the rail option is still more affordable than driving, parking and dealing with event-day traffic chaos.

Ahead of the summer tournament, the MBTA will run 14 trains, carrying 20,000 fans each to the stadium. Tickets will only be available through the mTicket app and sales will close once capacity is reached. Passengers must also have a valid match ticket to board.