While FIFA promised an accessible experience, a sudden and massive price hike has left fans feeling less than welcome; Yankee Scores reports on the specific financial gap that forced New Jersey to set a record-breaking $150 transit fee.
The Football Supporters Association claims that fans are being ripped off and “gouged” following the announcement that a 30-minute train ride to a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium will cost $150 (£111).
The $150 “Gouge”
The journey from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue in New Jersey is about 18 miles. This shows more than an 11-fold increase on the usual $12.90 (£9.50) for a return fare.
No concession prices are available, and children and seniors have to pay the full amount of $150.
The cost of shuttle bus tickets is $80 (£59).
Both train and bus tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
NJ Transit vs. FIFA
It was reported this week that the price would be $100 (£74), however on Friday operators NJ Transit declared that the price would be more.
MetLife Stadium will be named New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup. This is part of Fifa’s policy on corporate sponsored names. The stadium will host eight matches, including an England group game, and the final on 19 July.
This follows the huge hiking of train fares to matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, to $80 (£59), and coach tickets to $95 (£70).
Fans’ Outcry
Thomas Concannon, who leads the FSA’s England fans’ group, told BBC Sport it is “incredibly disappointing” to be hit in the pocket again – on top of the high-ticket prices for the matches.
“The price is obviously astronomical in terms of what you would expect to pay going to a match, going to a tournament,” Concannon said. “This is completely out of the norm from previous tournaments.
“You’re supposed to be welcoming fans from around the world. And I think at this stage, fans couldn’t feel less welcome.
“I don’t think anyone this time was expecting transport to be free. But we weren’t expecting to be gouged, either.
“That’s ultimately what’s happened here, and that’s just extremely disappointing. We don’t understand why.”
The End of Free World Cup Travel
Travel at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar was free. The United States did commit to offer the same perk in its host agreement with Fifa. However, the possible fares in New Jersey may set a new record for high train fares at the World Cup
