New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer have officially requested that FIFA contribute to the costs associated with road safety for the upcoming World Cup. The event is set to take place at MetLife Stadium, which will host eight matches, including the final.
Earlier reports indicated that New Jersey Transit is contemplating a $100 fare for shuttle rail tickets connecting fans from New York-Penn Station to the stadium. In contrast, the standard ticket fare is just $12.90, prompting concerns about accessibility for fans.
As parking options at the Meadowlands Stadium complex will be more limited than during typical NFL games, public transportation is likely to be the preferred mode of travel for attendees as the World Cup kicks off on June 11.
Governor Calls for FIFA Support
During an appearance on WNYC, Sherrill remarked, “We inherited an agreement from FIFA to provide zero dollars for travel to the World Cup.” She stressed the financial burden on the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which faces a $48 million bill for securing safe transport for fans. Given FIFA’s projected earnings of nearly $11 billion, she expressed frustration about the lack of support. “I’m not going to push this tab onto New Jersey commuters for years to come,” she stated.
Sherrill made it clear that if FIFA fails to assist, she will reluctantly endorse the fare increase. “If that’s what I need to do, I’ll do it, because I’m not going to impose this on New Jerseyans,” she added.
In a recent board meeting, New Jersey Transit directors unanimously supported a resolution aimed at adjusting transportation rates to cover all costs related to fan transport, aligning with Sherrill’s directive. CEO Chris Corulli affirmed that commuters would not bear the additional financial burden. “The governor has made it abundantly clear that we will charge FIFA fans for those tickets, but regular commuters will not subsidize those costs,” he stated.
Calls for Equitable Solutions
Schumer reiterated on social media that FIFA should play a role in covering road safety expenses for the World Cup. He argued, “New York area commuters and residents are being asked to shoulder costs while FIFA stands to gain heavily. The least FIFA can do is ensure New Yorkers can attend matches without substantial financial strain.”
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Travel Commission detailed its transportation and parking plans for the World Cup, emphasizing a park-and-ride strategy that incorporates shuttle buses to and from the stadium. According to Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the host committee, public transportation will play a critical role in this event, stating that “the FIFA World Cup at NYNJ Stadium will be a unique public transportation event.”
FIFA has responded, expressing surprise at the New Jersey Governor’s approach to fan transportation. They highlighted that the original 2018 Host City Agreement stipulated free transport for fans. “We recognize the economic impact on host cities and have adjusted our requirements to ensure that all match attendees have access to transportation at a reasonable cost,” FIFA stated.
Unlike the previous World Cup in Qatar, where ticket holders benefitted from free metro services funded by the government, New Jersey’s arrangement remains a point of contention. In contrast, host cities for both Euro 2024 and Kansas City’s upcoming event are offering various complimentary travel options to enhance accessibility for fans.
While Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) confirmed there would be no fare increases related to the World Cup due to federal funding covering additional operating costs, the situation in New Jersey continues to develop as the event approaches.
Information from the Press Association and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
