Schumer Demands FIFA Cover World Cup Transport Costs

On Tuesday, US Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader and a Democrat, called on FIFA to pay for public transport costs associated with the World Cup. This demand follows reports of a significant price hike by local authorities in New Jersey, where fans would be charged $100 for a return ticket from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium during the tournament.

Schumer highlighted that FIFA is expected to earn nearly $11 billion from the World Cup and insisted that they should ensure New York residents can access the stadium without excessive costs. New Jersey Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the proposed fare increase, stating that charging $100 for a short train ride is exorbitant.

Additionally, New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill emphasized that local taxpayers should not bear the transport costs for the World Cup. The NJ Transit agency has not confirmed the fare changes, which are speculated to be around $48 million for services related to the eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the final on July 19.