FIFA faces pressure from Schumer over $150 NJ Transit World Cup trains

Sen. Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., asked FIFA to cover all train costs for New Yorkers attending the World Cup, as NJ Transit train ticket prices are set at $150 to reach MetLife Stadium for games.

Schumer issued a statement on Sunday, asking FIFA to pay the full, astronomically higher than normal cost of travel from Penn Station to the Meadowlands, while acknowledging that “FIFA will take an estimated $11 billion out of the tournament while New York fans are being slapped with $150 round-trip NJ Transit tickets to the game.”

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight games during the World Cup, including the final on July 19. The regular price is $12.90 for the Meadowlands train from Penn Station, but it will increase to $150 starting June 13 and ending July 19. There will also be shuttles available for $80.

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NJ Transit CEO Kirs Kolluri defended the fare hike Friday, saying the cost of keeping the company down shouldn’t be a burden on New Jersey commuters.

“It is an exciting time for New Jersey to show the diversity of New Jersey and its economic position in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Gov. Mikie Sherrill) said that the passengers of New Jersey cannot and will not fund the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair,” said Kolluri, repeating that the Transit tournament will cost $ 8 million.

Penn Station is also scheduled to be partially closed for up to four hours before each World Cup game, which will clearly disrupt regular commuters and commuters eight times during the tournament.

NEW JERSEY GOVERNMENT MIKIE SHERRILL SLAMS FIFA AFTER REPORT THAT NJ WORLD CUP TRANSPORT TICKETS WILL BE OVER $100.

Schumer says it’s not fair for New Yorkers to face price increases, especially since FIFA is ending parking at MetLife Stadium. Also, parking at the nearby American Dream mall is about $225, while foot access is also prohibited.

On the other hand, mass transit is “the only way to get in or out of the stadium on game days,” Schumer said in a statement. But Schumer isn’t criticizing NJ Transit — he understands the money the company has to deal with.

It is FIFA that is pointing the finger that it does not help with the costs.

“The total cost of NJ Transit to transport fans to and from MetLife is expected to cost $62 million, with about $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 paying $48 million without FIFA funding.

“In the meantime, FIFA has told other host cities that they can offer trains to many fans for as little as $2.50 each way, 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, “Charging more than eleven times the regular fare to ride the train is plain, simple and easy.”

FIFA’s revenue for the 2023 to 2026 cycle is estimated at $11 billion, marking a 71% increase over the previous cycle. It also has the most valuable World Cup trophy in the history of the tournament.

Schumer’s statement also revealed that ticket prices for the game are around $700 in the group stage, while the final at MetLife Stadium costs $10,000 to get in the door under FIFA’s flexible pricing model.

“We carry more fans, more riders, and more distractions than any other region in this competition,” Schumer said. “FIFA needs to step up accordingly. Past practice doesn’t cut it when you remove parking, close Penn Station, and force every fan to get on one transportation system. FIFA should cover the trip, excluding New York fans from the bill.”

FIFA may not have historically had an impact on public travel costs at past tournaments, but Schumer says New York and New Jersey aren’t all other potential states. It is the most crowded place in the country, and it will have eight games.

Kolluri also noted that, if the $12.90 standard fare remains in place, NJ Transit’s $48 million building will be 92% funded by riders.

“Nobody I’ve talked to thinks it’s fair or reasonable. New Jersey riders shouldn’t have to bear the cost for years into the future for a spectacular event, no doubt. But the fans who go to the games should bear the cost. That’s all we’re trying to say,” said Kolluri.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and Alex Lasry, CEO of the 2026 FIFA World Cup New York Host Committee, speak during a press conference on the regional World Cup transit system in Newark, New Jersey, on April 17, 2026. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

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With the program now officially underway, FIFA World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi released the following statement to Fox News Digital:

“Since the signing of the 2018 host city agreements, FIFA has worked closely with the Host Committees and their partners to develop a transportation system that provides efficient and accessible mass transit options for ticketed fans attending the eight games at NY NJ Stadium. The goal is to reduce congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and ensure that the fan experience is smooth on the road, traffic delays, and not missed.

“NJ Transit’s current pricing model will have a negative impact. Higher fees inevitably push fans to other transportation options. This increases concerns about congestion, late arrivals, and creates ripple effects that ultimately reduce the economic benefits and lasting legacy the entire region will gain from hosting the World Cup.”

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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