April 17 – On the back of a huge rise in match ticket prices, New Jersey has had enough of eating FIFA’s costs. Governor Mikie Sherrill joined Senator Chuck Schumer this week in telling FIFA to open its wallet and pay for World Cup transit security.
MetLife Stadium hosts eight matches, including the final. With parking slashed at the Meadowlands complex, public transport is effectively the only way in. NJ Transit is looking at a $48 million bill to move fans safely to and from games, and floated charging $100 a train ticket against the usual $12.90
“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” Sherrill said. “NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion. FIFA should pay for the rides.”
Schumer piled in. “FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill. The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile.”
NJ Transit’s board has approved charging fares that cover every cent. CEO Kris Kolluri was blunt. “It will cost us $48 million. We will charge FIFA fans for those tickets, and it will not be subsidized by our commuters.”
Qatar’s government funded free Metro rides at the 2022 World Cup. UEFA covered public transport during Euro 2024. SEPTA in Philadelphia is absorbing costs via a federal grant and not raising fares.
FIFA has eight matches coming to New Jersey and there is a significantly growing feeling that FIFA should pay for the ride. For many the shakedown is becoming almost unbearable.
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]