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Late. Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., has called on FIFA to cover the full rail costs for New Yorkers attending the World Cup, as NJ Transit train fares are set at $150 to get to MetLife Stadium for games.
Schumer released a statement Sunday urging FIFA to pay for the entire fair, which is astronomically higher than the regular cost of traveling from Penn Station to the Meadowlands, while understanding that “FIFA is set to rake in about $11 billion in revenue from the tournament while New York fans are hit with $150 NJ Transit round-trip tickets to get to the game.”
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight matches during the World Cup, including the final on July 19. The usual price is $12.90 for the Meadowlands train from Penn Station, but it will increase to $150 starting June 13th and ending July 19th. There will also be $80 worth of shuttles available.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, during a press conference after the weekly Senate Democratic Policy Luncheon at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
NJ Transit CEO Kirs Kolluri defended the fare increases Friday, saying the ultimate cost to the company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters.
“It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic status in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Governor Mikie Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ$48 million.
Penn Station is also scheduled to be partially closed for up to four hours before each World Cup game, which will naturally disrupt regular commuters and travelers eight times during the tournament.
NEW JERSEY GOV MIKIE SHERRILL RIVERS FIFA AFTER REPORTS NJ TRANSIT TICKETS TO WC WILL BE OVER $100
Schumer argues that it’s unfair for New Yorkers to have to deal with the price increase, especially considering FIFA is removing parking at MetLife Stadium. Parking at the nearby American Dream mall also costs approximately $225, while foot access is also prohibited.
In turn, mass transit is “effectively the only way in or out of the stadium on game days,” Schumer’s statement read. But Schumer isn’t lambasting NJ Transit — he understands the financial conditions the company must deal with.
He points the finger at FIFA for not helping with the costs.
“The total NJ Transit operation to move fans to and from MetLife is expected to cost $62 million, with approximately $11 million dedicated to security alone. The federal government is contributing $10.6 million and the NY/NJ Host Committee is contributing just over $3 million, leaving NJ Transit to foot a $48 million bill with zero financial contribution from FIFA.
“Meanwhile, FIFA has told other host cities they can offer fans mass trains for as little as $2.50 round trip, a fraction of what New York fans are charged.”
A general view of MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Train Station is seen from an NJ Transit train before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinal match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 9, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Schumer added that “charging more than eleven times the normal fare for a train ride is a ripoff, plain and simple.”
FIFA’s budgeted revenue for the 2023 to 2026 cycle is approximately $11 billion, a 71% increase over the previous cycle. It also marks the most lucrative World Cup in the tournament’s history.
Schumer’s statement also pointed out that game-goer ticket prices are around $700 for the group stage and the final at MetLife Stadium is as high as $10,000 to get in the door under FIFA’s dynamic pricing model.
“We have more fans, more riders and more disruption than any other region in this tournament,” Schumer added. “FIFA needs to step up accordingly. Past practices don’t cut it when you eliminate parking, shut down Penn Station and force all fans onto one transit system. FIFA should cover the trip, not foot the bill for New York fans.”
FIFA may not have historically contributed to public transportation costs in past tournaments, but Schumer argues that New York and New Jersey are not every other host region. It is the most densely populated area in the country and will host eight matches.
Kolluri also noted that if the $12.90 regular fare were to remain in place, the $48 million bill for NJ Transit would be subsidized for commuters by 92%.
“Nobody that I’ve talked to thinks that’s fair or reasonable. New Jersey commuters shouldn’t bear the cost years into the future for a wonderful event, no question. But the fans who go to the games should bear the cost. That’s all we’re trying to say,” Kolluri said.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and Alex Lasry, CEO of the 2026 FIFA World Cup New York New Jersey Host Committee, speak during a press briefing on the regional mobility plan for the World Cup in Newark, New Jersey on April 17, 2026. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
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With the plan now officially in place, FIFA World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi issued the following statement to Pakinomist Digital:
“Ever since the Host City Agreements were signed in 2018, FIFA has been working with the host committees and their partners to develop a transport plan that provides efficient and accessible mass transport options for ticketed fans attending the eight matches at NY NJ Stadium. The aim is to minimize congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles and ensure that the action-packed experience on the pitch is positive and not delayed. Roads.
“NJ Transit’s current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Increased fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns about congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy of hosting the World Cup for the entire region.”
