NEW YORK, United States — United States leaders want international football organizers to pay World Cup transport bills. Consequently, they demand the Federation Internationale de Football Association [FIFA] covers these rising expenses. Specifically, a top lawmaker criticized massive local ticket price hikes on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Okay News reports that local transit agencies plan huge ticket price increases. For instance, New Jersey Transit might charge over $100 for stadium trips. Usually, a standard return ticket costs only $12.90 for this short journey.
Charles Schumer currently serves as the United States Senate Minority Leader for the Democratic Party. Therefore, the senator addressed this issue on the social media platform X. He argued that FIFA will earn $11 billion from the summer tournament.
Furthermore, Schumer expressed his frustration regarding the financial burden on local citizens. He stated, “New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall.” Additionally, he declared, “I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states.”
He also added, “The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile.”
Soaring World Cup Transport Prices Spark Regional Outrage
Meanwhile, Kathy Hochul also condemned the proposed public transportation fare increases. Hochul operates as the current Governor of New York. She highlighted the need for fair access to the international sporting event.
Importantly, the governor shared her thoughts directly on social media. “The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible,” she wrote. Subsequently, she added, “Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”
Agence France-Presse [AFP] contacted New Jersey Transit for an official comment. However, the transportation agency did not immediately respond to the media request. Instead, sports publication The Athletic reported a statement from an agency spokesperson.
The spokesperson claimed that officials have not finalized any match day travel prices. “The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalized and any reference to cost would be unconfirmed speculation,” the spokesperson said.
Taxpayers Protected From Massive World Cup Transport Fees
Despite this, extra World Cup transport services will cost approximately $48 million. Furthermore, these special transport services cover eight matches at MetLife Stadium. This schedule includes the tournament final on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Mikie Sherrill serves as the Governor of New Jersey. Consequently, Sherrill promised that local taxpayers will not carry this heavy financial burden. She confirmed on Monday, April 13, 2026, that commuters remain protected.
Sherrill said, “We are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters.”
Other American cities also face similar World Cup transport inflation problems. For example, public travel issues recently emerged in Boston, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed massive rate hikes earlier this month.
Specifically, return tickets to Gillette Stadium will cost $80 instead of the usual $20 price.
