Gov. Mikie Sherrill said her administration is preparing New Jersey’s transit network to handle World Cup crowds this summer while pressing FIFA to contribute to the cost of moving fans to and from MetLife Stadium.
In a statement released alongside NJ Transit’s World Cup mobility planning, Sherrill said New Jersey will host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including the tournament final, and that her administration has made tournament preparations a priority since taking office in January. She said the state is working across government to ready transit infrastructure to move more than 40,000 fans to and from each match safely and efficiently.
Sherrill framed the planning effort as a balance between showcasing the state and protecting regular commuters and taxpayers. She said the state inherited an agreement in which FIFA contributes no money toward transportation for the World Cup, while also eliminating parking at MetLife Stadium. With parking reduced, Sherrill said NJ Transit will be required to carry four times the typical matchday ridership for events at the venue.
Sherrill said the transportation plan — including logistics to keep service safe and efficient for commuters and ticket holders — is expected to cost NJ Transit at least $48 million. She said FIFA is positioned to generate $11 billion during the tournament and argued the cost burden should not fall on New Jersey riders.
Sherrill said her administration is seeking “fair” cost-sharing and that if FIFA does not cover transportation costs, the state will not subsidize World Cup ticket holders at the expense of daily NJ Transit users.
She also said she directed NJ Transit to provide discounts for riders affected by service changes on two dates that overlap peak commuting hours: Monday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 30. Sherrill said the state is coordinating with PATH to cross-honor tickets and add service to keep riders moving during what is expected to be a busy period.
The World Cup is expected to deliver economic benefits for New Jersey communities and businesses, Sherrill said, but she emphasized that hosting the tournament should not come at a financial cost to commuters who rely on public transit year-round.
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