FIFA, New Jersey governor point fingers over $100-plus World Cup train tickets

Key Points:

• New Jersey Transit plans to charge over $100 for a round-trip train ticket between Penn Station and MetLife Stadium during the World Cup, a significant increase from the usual $12.90 fare.
• New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the fare hike, stating that FIFA has not contributed to transportation costs, which are estimated at $50 million, and insisted that FIFA should cover these expenses instead of burdening local commuters.
• FIFA responded by highlighting that the original 2018 Host City Agreements required free transport for fans, but were later adjusted in 2023 to allow transportation at cost, and emphasized their efforts to support host cities through federal funding advocacy.
• New Jersey Transit’s board approved a resolution to cover all costs related to moving over 40,000 fans per match without charging regular commuters, aligning with the governor’s directive to avoid burdening the regular transit system.
• The dispute underscores tensions between local authorities and FIFA over funding responsibilities for transportation during the World Cup, which will host eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the final on July 19.