Soccer fans heading to MetLife Stadium from New York City should be prepared for some hefty transportation costs. Officials recently announced that the round-trip train fare will be $150, much higher than the usual $12.90. With no on-site parking available for most, it’s expected that around 40,000 fans will rely on public transit for the World Cup matches.
MetLife Stadium is the home field for the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets and will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19. The group stage kicks off on June 13, featuring heavyweights like Brazil, France, Germany, and England.
The fare hike is aimed at recovering the $62 million NJ Transit plans to spend on transportation during the tournament. Only $14 million of that has been covered by external grants. NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri defended the increase, stating, “This isn’t price gouging. We’re trying to recoup our costs.”
Meanwhile, Governor Mikie Sherrill has urged FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, to cover these transportation expenses. She asserted that the costs shouldn’t fall on New Jersey residents who use NJ Transit daily. However, FIFA has resisted this idea, pointing out that other host cities like Los Angeles and Dallas are keeping their transit fees unchanged.
Across the river in Boston, fans will face similar costs. Express bus fares to Gillette Stadium are set at $95, while round-trip train tickets from Boston to the stadium sell for $80—four times the normal fare. In contrast, cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Houston have retained their low fares, thanks in part to federal transit grants totaling $100 million to enhance service during the World Cup.
FIFA has expressed concern that New Jersey’s fare increases could deter fans. They argue that high prices might push fans to seek other transport options, leading to congestion and delays. This could ultimately undermine the economic benefits expected from hosting the tournament.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared her disappointment over the fare hike, indicating that charging over $100 for a short trip seems excessive. The situation has sparked discussions on social media, with fans voicing their frustration regarding the increased costs of attending the World Cup.
If you’re not taking the train, other options are just as pricey. Shuttle buses from midtown Manhattan will charge around $80 round-trip, while parking at the nearby American Dream Mall is being sold for $225 in advance. Although MetLife Stadium usually has ample parking, much of it will be occupied by FIFA-related activities during the matches.
Historically, during past big events like the Super Bowl in 2014, public transit faced challenges accommodating large crowds, resulting in long wait times for fans. As the World Cup draws nearer, it’s crucial for transit officials to address these logistical concerns to ensure a smooth experience for soccer enthusiasts.
For more insights on public transit during major events, you can check out the Associated Press.
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