N.J. governor: FIFA should pay extra train costs to MetLife for World Cup - ESPN

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer in calling on FIFA to contribute toward World Cup transit security costs.

MetLife Stadium will host eight World Cup games including the tournament final. The Athletic reported earlier this week that NJ Transit is considering charging $100 for train tickets to shuttle fans between New York Penn Station and the stadium. Standard fare is $12.90.

Parking will be restricted at the Meadowlands stadium complex compared to NFL games — making public transport one of the only options to attend World Cup matches, which get underway June 11.

«We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,» Sherrill said on X.

«And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion.

»I'm not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come.

«FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't — I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.»

Speaking on WNYC on Wednesday, Sherrill said she would approve the fare increase if FIFA doesn't step in.

«I will, if that's what it takes, because I'm not putting this on the back of New Jerseyans,» she said.

On Wednesday, NJ Transit's board of directors unanimously approved a resolution to set transport prices to «cover any and all costs» to transport fans and comply with Sherrill's directive.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri on Wednesday said he supported Sherrill's plea to FIFA and confirmed that commuters would not pay extra costs, according to NJ.com.

«The governor said whatever the fare will be, it will not be cross subsidized by our regular commuters. I'd think every NJ Transit customer would stand behind