Moroccan fans experienced the infamous $100 train fares to reach MetLife Stadium in New York. For the World Cup, New Jersey Transit officials increased the cost of round-trip transportation.
According to The Athletic, the price of the 29km train journey between Penn Station in New York and the stadium would cost $12.90.
“The train tickets cost, I think, about a hundred dollars round trip, which is much more than usual, but I understand that they are cutting off transportation for everyone and that they have to offer alternatives. There is a lot of security. There are more trains and that means I don’t have to drive on a day like today. I wish there were fewer trains, but I’m glad I was able to get it,” says Alia Lahlou, a Moroccan supporter in New York.
Access to Penn Station is restricted to World Cup ticket holders during the four hours preceding each match. Fans may only enter the station during the time slots indicated on their train tickets.
“Welcome to America! You put the World Cup here, this is what’s going to happen, unfortunately. It’s awful. It hasn’t killed the spirit, as you can see, all the fans are still here, everyone’s having a good time, but you’re holding an event in America. This is what’s going to happen. It’s sad. I paid 100 dollars, which is criminal. I have friends who live in New York and take this train for 16 dollars on weekends, if not more, so it’s awful. But it’s like my other option was to park there and probably pay 300 dollars or take an Uber that was the same price both ways. So, even though it’s a rip-off, 100 dollars each way is a good deal, as awful as that sounds,” Samir Lagouit, a Moroccan supporter from Virginia, says ironically.
Regular passengers using the line to New Jersey do not have access to the station during game times. Host cities bear the financial burden related to safety, security, protection, stadium renovations, and public transportation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has cited estimates of a $30 billion economic impact for the United States, although some city officials have expressed skepticism as the agencies involved seek to recover their costs.
