Football fans attending FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will face not only exorbitant ticket prices but also staggering transportation costs. A round-trip train fare from New York City to the stadium has been set at $150 per match, nearly 12 times the regular $12.90 fare for the approximately 15-minute, 14km (9-mile) journey. Transport officials confirmed the pricing on Friday, highlighting the financial burden on attendees.
With on-site parking unavailable for most fans, New Jersey authorities anticipate that around 40,000 spectators will rely on mass transit for each game. MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19. Group-stage matches for football powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, and England begin on June 13.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the surcharge, claiming it is necessary to prevent her state from being saddled with a long-term financial "tab" for hosting the World Cup, which returns to the US for the first time since 1994. NJ Transit officials stated that transporting fans to and from the stadium during the tournament would cost $62 million, with external grants covering only $14 million of that amount.
Other host cities, including Los Angeles and Philadelphia, have pledged to keep transit fares unchanged, citing approximately $100 million in federal grants provided to enhance bus and rail services. However, Governor Sherrill, a Democrat who took office in January, criticized FIFA for contributing "$0 for transportation," leaving the state's cash-strapped transit agency with a $48 million bill. FIFA responded by expressing surprise at the governor's approach, noting that agreements signed in 2018 with host cities called for free transport for fans to all matches.
The fare hike has drawn objections from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who called the over-$100 charge for a short train ride "awfully high." The dispute underscores broader tensions between local authorities and international sporting bodies over funding and logistics for major events. Alternatives, such as limited parking at the nearby American Dream Mall priced at $225, offer little relief, further exacerbating concerns about accessibility and affordability for fans.
Source: www.aljazeera.com